The American and Foreign Christian Union

f /

LIBRARY

OF THE

Theological Seminary,

PRINCETON, N. J.

( ase.

Shelf, J

Book9. Hq,

Digitized by

the Internet Archive

in 2015

https://archive.org/details/americanforeignc18amer

THE

AMERICAN AND FOREIGN

CHRISTIAN UNION.

VOL. I. AUGUST, 1850. No. 8.

Introductory Remarks.

The present number of our Magazine will be found, in some respects, to
be more interesting than any of those which have preceded it. The Letter
from Dr. Achilli to one of the Secretaries of the Society, as well as his Letter
to Signor Torricelli — a converted Italian Capuchin monk, now in the city of
New- York — will command deep attention, and excite hope in respect to the
Italian race. It is really wonderful to see how that race, which was till
lately so completely under the influence of the Papacy, is beginning
to seek after the "Truth as it is in Jesus." What encouragement we
have for prayer and effort in behalf of the entire Papal world — even for the
portions of it which have usually been considered the most difficult to reach.

The details respecting the work of our Irish Missionaries in this country
are very cheering. It will be seen that the Board are extending its operations
in this direction. May the day soon come when it will have a capable and
faithful Irish Missionary in every city and town in the United States where
there is an Irish population of considerable extent.

Our readers will be interested in the account which they will find of the
movement among the German Roman Catholics in Philadelphia, and of the
formation, in that city, of a " Free German Catholic Church." In many other
places a similar movement would soon be seen, if we had the right laborers,
and the means of employing them.

In a word, the present number abounds in evidence, founded in the de-
tails of the work amid the Papal population of our country, and of the
world, that the work in which we are engaged, so far from being a hopeless
one, as some persons suppose, is full of encouragement and of promise.

Explanation of the Plate.

The Plate in the present number gives a view of the famous Battle of Sa-
labertrann, so called from a village on the river Dora, at which the Walden-
ses were compelled to sustain a very severe rencontre with the French troops,
under the command of the Marquis de Larrey. This battle was, in fact, by
far the most important, in its nature and results, of all the conflicts which
Vol. 1. No. 8. 22

338

AMERICAN AND FOREIGN

( August,

they had with the Savoyards and the French during their celebrated Return
from Switzerland to their native valleys in Piedmont, in the year 1689.

Those of our readers who are familiar with the history of the Waldenses
may remember that about three thousand of this wonderful people, who had
escaped the dreadful massacres and imprisonments which the Savoyards per-
petrated in their valleys, when they suddenly and treacherously got possession
of them in the year 1686, were allowed to take refuge in Switzerland, where
.he main body of them resided for three years, chiefly in the Canton of
Berne, which then included the present Canton of Vaud. But portions of
them went into the Canton of the Grisons, and a large number into what
Are now the kingdoms of Wirtemberg and Prussia, where their descendants
are to be found to this day, intermingled, it is true, with the Germanic race to
such a degree that they can be discovered only through the traditions which
exist among them, and through the Waldensian names which have come
down to them through the male lines of their ancestors during more than
two centuries and a half.

It was on Saturday, the 16th day of August, in the year 1689, that
a small band of little more than eight hundred men embarked at Nyon, in
what is now the Canton de Yaud, and crossed over Lake Leman, some ten or
twelve miles above the city of Geneva. They were commanded by the cele-
brated Henri Arnaud, who was by profession a minister of the Gospel. But
being a devoted patriot as well Christian, he was extremely desirous of seeing
his poor countrymen restored to their native valleys, which were then in the
hands of their enemies. For the purpose of procuring help in this enter-
prise, he visited Holland in the year 1688, and was kindly received by the
Prince of Orange, not long; before that distinguished Protestant ascended the
throne of England under the title of William III. The promises of the
Prince were amply fulfilled in the munificence of the King, in the year
following.

Arnaud arranged his little army in nineteen companies of regular troops,
commanded by men of such experience as the circumstances of the case af-
forded. Besides these, there was an irregular company of volunteers. Of
the regular companies, six were composed of Protestants from Dauphiny and
Provence, in France. Besides Arnaud, there were two other ministers of the
Gospel in the little army, viz : Messrs. Chyon and Montoux — the former of
whom was taken prisoner the first day of the march, and retained as such at
Chamberry till the close of the war. The latter finished a long life, as did
Arnaud,* in exile among the Waldensian colonies in Wirtemberg.

* As our readers may desire to know something of the latter part of the life of Arnaud, we
would state that at the close of the war between the Waldenses and the Savoyards, in the
spring of 1 690, through the influence of the King of England, (William III,) he was appointed
to the command of a thousand Waldensian soldiers, and sent to defend the frontiers of Sa-

1850,)

CHRISTIAN UNION.

339

Landing on the southern shore of Lake Leman, in what was then as it still
is, the territory of Savoy — now a part of the kingdom of Sardinia, — the band
of Exiles set out at once for their native land. The distance which they had
to journey was not great, measured by a straight line, not in fact exceeding 150
miles, but the route which they had to pursue lay through the ranges of the stu-
pendous Alps, around some of whose highest portions they had in fact to pass.

It was absolutely necessary that the most rigid discipline should be main-
tained. Although supplied, (by the King of England and other friends,) with
considerable sums of money, they were often compelled to exact provisions
from the inhabitants of the villages through which they passed. Often they
held for days those who fell into their hands — especially men of influence
and Catholic priests — as hostages, and declared that they would put them to
death if their march should be seriously molested. At first they encountered
but little opposition. On the contrary, their heroic bearing seemed to excite
the admiration of the villagers, who in some places even cheered them on their
way. But soon the state of the case became altered. Armed troops, Savoy-
ards at first, and afterwards French, hovered along their route, and numerous
skirmishes ensued during the first eight or nine days of the march. A con-
siderable number of their men were taken prisoners, and sent to the dungeons
of Chamberry, Embrun, and Turin. Retaliation commenced ; and as the
Waldenses could not long keep the prisoners whom they took, nor did they
feel secure in letting them escape, they came to the dreadful conclusion of
putting them to death — a measure in behalf of which absolutely nothing can
be said, save that in their circumstances, as they themselves asserted, " It was
to kill, or be killed."

At first their course was up the valley of the Arve to the foot of Mount
Blanc ; there they crossed over a high chain of the Alps into the valley of the
Arc ; from that again they had to cross over into the valley of the Dora,
(a river which falls into the Po, not far from Turin.) From that val-
ley they had to cross another stupendous mountain range and descend
into the valley of Pragelas ; and, finally, from that valley they must sur-

voy against the King of France, (Louis XIV,) late ally of the Duke of Savoy in the war
against their country, but with whom the Duke himself was now at war. Arnaud and his
men formed a part of the army with which Prince Eugene penetrated through the Alps,
from Italy into France. And so indefatigable and active was he in his exertions, that he
did much to engage the attention of the French, long after the departure of Eugene and his
army for the Netherlands, to assist Marlborough against the French in that quarter.

After the restoration of peace, the Duke of Savoy was weak enough to listen to the
charges of the enemies of Arnaud, to the effect that under the pretext of settling the Wal-
denses in their valleys, and arranging their affairs, he was aiming at exciting them to rebel
against the Duke, and establish a republic. In consequence of this he was banished !
Taking refuge in what is now the kingdom of Wirtemberg, he spent his last years in the
pastoral charge of a Waldensian colonial church, and died in peace at the venerable age of
eighty. At his death it was ascertained that his patrimonial estate, and other property at
La Tour, were worth 2520 florins, or about $1600 ! He left three sons and two daughters.

340 AMERICAN AND FOREIGN (AugllSt,

mount the Col du Pis, (still another range,) before they could get into the
valley of St. Martin, in the north-western part of their country. Many of the
most distressing conflicts which they had with their enemies took place in the
autumn of 1689, and the winter of 1689-90, after they had reached their
mountain home, and before the establishment of peace in the spring of the
last named year. Thanks be to God, that peace has not been interrupted by
war for the period of 160 years !

But to return to the only great battle which the Waldenses had to fight
on their march, which, including their wanderings after they arrived in then-
valleys, lasted about a month — from the middle of August to the middle of
September. This battle occurred in the valley of the river Dora, in the early
part of the night of the eighth day of their march, or the 24th of August.
As they descended into the valley from the mountain on the north-west, they
were fully apprised by a peasant, that they must expect a severe conflict at the
village of Salabertrann.* About a quarter of a league from the bridge that
leads to the village, which is on the right bank of the river, and of course on
the one opposite to that which the Waldenses occupied, their advanced guard
fell into an ambuscade, in which they lost five men from a single volley of the
enemy. Retreating a few paces and rallying, they spent a short season, according
to their custom, in prayer, in which Arnaud led. Then they set out with the
greatest enthusiasm, under the full conviction that unless they could capture
the bridge and force their way through their enemies, all was lost ! At the
onset, the fire of the enemy was dreadful. But Arnaud commanded his men,
hostages and all, to lie down flat on the ground, and so volley after volley was
discharged over their heads, for fifteen minutes and more. Then rising up,
they rushed onward to the bridge, which their enemies in their confidence had
neglected to destroy, and in a moment engaged hand to hand with the enemy,
using the bayonet and the sabre. The collision was terrible ! But the hardest
of the fighting was soon over. The French troops, although 2500 in num-
ber, and commanded by experienced officers, gave way in all directions. The
battle lasted two hours. Six hundred French, including a large number of
officers, were left dead on the spot ; whilst only fourteen or fifteen Waldenses
were killed, and about as many wounded ; a most remarkable result certainly,
and one which shows, as they rightly believed, that God himself had interfered,
in a wonderful manner, to save them.f

* His words, in reply to the question whether they could have any provisions there for
money, was: " Go on ; they will give you all that you desire, and are now preparing a
warm supper for you."

t It may not he improper to state that the watchword which the Waldenses used in this
battle was " Angrogne," the name of that Valley, which was considered by them as the
most sacred in their entire country — where was Pra del Tor, (of which we gave some ac-
count in our June number,) the ancient seat of their " School of the Prophets," and where
their Synod for ages held its sessions. In the midst of the battle, their enemies having

1850.)

CHRISTIAN UNION.

341

They found a vast quantity of provisions and military stores in the camp
of the routed enemy. After taking such things as they could carry, and
destroying the rest, they set out immediately, fatigued as they were, to ascend
the Col de Sci, the top of which they reached at a very late hour. There
they halted, to find repose. The next day was the Sabbath, and the ninth of
their march.

Of their subsequent adventures — their taking possession of the Yalley of
St. Martin, their skirmishes in the valley of Lucerne or Pelice, their engage-
ments with the enemy in the valleys of Angrogna and Clousone, and their
famous defence of Balsille, it is neither necessary nor proper that we should
speak in this place.

Letter from Dr. Achilli to one of the Secretaries of the Society.

My dear Dr. Baird, — I received your letter whilst in Scotland, whither I had
gone at the request of some brethren who desired to see me and confer with me on
matters pertaining to the glory of God. From that country I passed over into Ire-
land, with the same object in view. Since then I have visited several cities in Eng-
land, holding meetings in each, which have been successful in promoting the general
edification. I have now returned to London, to take some repose after my travels,
and to commence the work for which the Lord has brought me into this region — the
evangelization of Italians.

Hitherto I have been unable to answer your letter; I do so at present with plea-
sure. And in the first place I thank you for the kindness with which you have invit-
ed me to come to New-York. It will not be possible for me to accomplish this in
the present month of May ; but it is quite probable that I may be enabled to do so
before long: and I can assure you my soul longs to visit so many brethren, whom I
love in the Lord. It is just now necessary for me to establish in London a church
for those Italians who would fain become Christians, and renounce the communion
of the Pope; and upon this purpose I am now intent. My countrymen, for the
greater part, second my efforts, and even stimulate them.

We intend at present to execute here that which, hitherto, it has not been
allowed us to do in Italy. We shall prepare in this land of Christian liberty what
we desire to carry into our own, in order to enjoy, as soon as it may please God, the
same freedom. The United States, from their political institutions, would be a coun-
try even better adapted to our work. We Romans who desire to be Christians, are,
as a consequence, Republicans. Between the Pope and the Republic there can be
no middle form of government. The Romans sympathize deeply with the Americans.
But there is too great a distance over sea between them for the requisite communi-
cation. On account of the vicinity, therefore, we must, for many purposes, prefer
England. You know what these dear brethren have done for me. I have been de-
heard this word so often repeated by the Waldensian soldiers, attempted to counterfeit
it, but simply answered " Grogne," to the demand : " Qui Vive ?" This pronunciation at
once betrayed them, and cost their lives to more than two hundred men.

342

AMERICAN AND FOREIGN

(August,

livered by means of the prayers offered up by many churches unto God ; and, se-
condly, by means of their action, of their labors ; 1 am indebted to these brethren for
my liberation from the Inquisition, where I should undoubtedly have been sacrificed.
They spared no efforts, expense, or journey. I should like to have you read what Sir
Culling E. Eardley has collected in a volume with reference to my imprisonment and
liberation. In my case it has been seen how much can, and will, be accomplished by
the charity of religion ; and it has been, I may say, a triumph of the great principle
which we profess.

Well, then, I propose to myself to visit your country also, and become person-
ally acquainted with dear brethren in the United States. I shall do so, if it please
God, whenever our church for the Italians in London shall have gained a foothold,
and obtain a minister whom I can leave in my stead. Then I shall come to you with
great pleasure ; unless, in the meantime, it should come to pass that I may return to
Rome. I do not believe that the government of the Pope, at present supported only
by foreign bayonets in spite of the people, can endure much longer. The Popedom
in Rome has reached its last hour; and Pius Ninth, having rendered it still more
odious, is pursuing such a course as to insure its more speedy downfall. Upon a re-
volution in Paris hangs now the very life of the Pope and Cardinals ; and that revo-
lution may come to pass at any moment. In such a case, I shall of course lose no
time in returning to Rome, as I did on hearing of the previous flight of the Pope.
For my thoughts are always upon Rome ; it is there that God destines me to carry
the truth of His Word : and that which I have suffered for this cause gives me a
right to the same mission.

Popery, enfeebled and destroyed in some other parts of the world, has preserved
its vitality in Rome, its heart ; and there it seemed invulnerable. I, for the first
time, made the attempt to present to the Romans the pure Gospel ; and I was ena-
bled to do it in six months of freedom, and in six other months of imprisonment. I
first succeeded in publishing the New Testament at Rome in the Italian tongue ; and
have seen the hearty welcome given to it by the Romans. I then was the first — be-
cause God willed it — to strike Popeiy at its heart. Suffer me to continue this work.
Assist me by your prayers, and by other instrumentalities ; among them the Bible,
and other books with the Bible, to circulate as widely as possible in these regions.

I am greatly pleased to hear of the presence, at ., of dear Mr. , who, I

am assured will labor in the Gospel cause. With him will unite some others who
remain in that city. We from this quarter endeavor to assist and encourage them.

When you have opportunity, I beg you to send me a copy of your work on Pro-
testantism in Italy.

With great esteem and attachment, believe me

Your friend and brother in Christ,

G. Achtlli.

3 Shaftsbury Crescent, Pimlico.
London, May 31st, 1850.

It is altogether probable that we may see Dr. Achilli in the midst of us
in the autumn, if not sooner. By that time, if not earlier, we hope to see an
Italian Protestant Chapel opened in the city of New- York. Dr. Achilli's
presence would, with the blessing of the Lord, contribute greatly to the get-
ting up of such a service, and the placing of it on a good footing.

1850.)

CHRISTIAN UNION.

343

The Inquisition at Rome.

When the Republican party triumphed at Rome, more than eighteen months
ago, the Inquisition, the greatest disgrace which the name of Christianity has
ever been called to endure, was still existing in that city. But it was soon
suppressed, and its horrible prisons and dungeons thrown open to the gaze of
an indignant public. Our papers were filled with the details of what was then
revealed in the open day of the hellish and infamous deeds which had been
perpetrated within its walls. No reader of these pages who has ever been at
Rome can forget the position and appearance of the Inquisition in that city, —
on the south-west and almost in the rear of the Church of St. Peter, and but
a few rods from the Palace of the Vatican, which is, in fact, but a few feet on
the other side of that great Cathedral. The subjoined remarks of Dr.
Achilli, throw some further light on the subject, which must ever interest all
true Christians. For the Inquisition, with all its evils, the Papacy is alone
responsible ; and this most accursed institution was, and is, a legitimate fruit
of the monstrous Usurpation.

" At a meeting in the Rotundo, Dublin, recently, in connexion with the Italian
Evangelical Society,

" Mr. Philip Dixon Hardy stated that he was anxious to put a question to Dr.
Achilli. It had been denied that some of the things which were alleged to have taken
place had ever occurred. The question he wanted to put was this — Was it a fact,
that at the time Pio Nono left Rome, the Inquisition was in Rome, and is now
in Rome ? This had been denied, and he wished his friend to give an answer.

" Dr. Achilli thereupon rose and said : Pius IX on leaving Rome with his
cardinals, left there the Inquisition, and he left it hoping that, by means of its work,
he would be the better able to return to Rome; and it is a fact that the Inquisition
is still in Rome, and was at work in Rome after the departure of Pius IX. Pius IX.
left Rome in the month of November, 1848, and I w7as in Rome in the month of
February, 1849, and in the same month of February, 1849, the Roman Republic was
proclaimed ; and eight days after the proclamation of the republic the Te Deum was
chaunted in the cathedral of St. Peter's; and I believe I stated here before, that on
that occasion I, with ten or twelve of my companions, visited together the prison of
the Inquisition. That is to say, wre went to examine whether the palace of the
Inquisition was attended by any one or not ; and this is what we found : — We found
in this palace of the Inquisition, the Commissary-General of the Inquisition, together
with his two companions, his secretaries, and his chancellors; and in addition to that,
we found the jailors of the Inquisition; and I myself asked one of the jailors whether
there were any prisoners in the cells ; because, I said, if there are jailors, we naturally
may suppose there are also prisoners. But the jailor, according to the laws of his
order and of the Inquisition, was not at liberty to give me an honest answer, and was
satisfied with merely shrugging up his shoulders ; but for me that answer was suffL
cient, and I understood by the shrug of his shoulders he meant to say there were
plenty of them. And it was in consequence of this automatic answer that my com-
panions, among whom were some French officers, were very much inclined to cause
an uproar in the Inquisition. They wanted, right or wrong, to examine the cells and

344

AMERICAN AND FOREIGN

(August,

■dungeons, and to compel the jailors to open the gates, but I begged of my friends to
desist from such a thing, and I advised them rather to make known this state of mat-
ters to the Government. And that was done, and the Government sent officers to
verify whether the Inquisition was still in operation, and they found matters as I have
described them. In addition to that, the Government found three prisoners in the
dungeons of the Inquisition, and one of these prisoners was a bishop that had been
there in his cell for twenty-five years. I will not wait to tell you the reason why this
unfortunate man was twenty-five years confined in a dungeon. I only state the fact
that he had been, and was there, and this bishop, together with another prisoner, were
almost carried in triumph through the streets of Rome ; and every child in Rome
knows that Bishop Cashur, from Cairo, was carried about in triumph after having
been delivered from the prison of the Inquisition. But I will tell you also another
case. There was another of the prisoners of the Inquisition, although he was not
immured in the dungeon of the Inquisition itself, he was imprisoned in one of the
convents of Rome, and whoever has been at Rome will know the convent of Fran-
ciscan friars, called the Convent of Aracoeli. This prisoner was a wretched monk of
about sixty years of age, and this unfortunate creature had been for twelve years
immured in a most horrible hole. This unfortunate man was not a Roman, he was
not an Italian — you will be surprised to hear that he was an American ; not an inhabi-
tant of the United States, but a man from the republics of the South. This wretched
monk, when he heard that the Republic was proclaimed in Rome, and that the Inqui-
sition was thrown open, contrived by some means or other to let it be known that he
was there, and the messenger brought the news to the National Assembly that this
poor man was a prisoner in the Convent of Aracoeli. A deputation was at once sent
to the superior of the convent, in order to ascertain the truth of the matter, but the
father Abbot strenuously denied it. However, they compelled him, by threatening
him, and at last he condescended to open the door of the cell. The monk was drawn
out, and the wretched man, after twelve years immurement there, was almost reduced
to blindness, and he was scarcely able to stand on his legs — and they had to support
him to enable him to go along. In this state he was brought before the National
Assembly, and I was there myself. I have seen him with my own eyes, and if any
would deny it, I appeal to Rome, to every one in Rome, to confirm the truth of what I
have stated. On arriving at the National Assembly, the monk was an object of natu-
ral curiosity, and every one hastened around to examine him, and every one was anx-
ious to hear something from him, and he had but one answer for all, ' I have not the
most remote idea why I was for twelve years kept in that dungeon : and I had always
settled in my mind, and was at peace with myself, never having the slightest hope of
seeing the daylight again.' And he turned round and thanked them one after another,
for it was to them he said he owed his life. He then asked for some assistance to
enable him to return to his own country, and on that same evening a collection was
made among us, and we gave him a small sum to enable him to return to America,
and I believe at this moment the monk is in South America, thankful for his delive-
rance. Therefore, there is no doubt the Inquisition existed in Rome up to the first
days of the Roman Republic ; and that the Inquisition was restored with the return
of the Papal Government, I am myself a living proof — and when you will consider
that the Papal Government itself has not the hardihood to deny that I was in the
Inquisition — when the Government has confessed and acknowledged it — you will
scarcely find any one else to deny it. Therefore, you may well conclude from this,

1850.)

CHRISTIAN UNION.

345

that the Inquisition is still in existence at this present moment in Rome ; and if I
were rash enough to go to Rome now, I will just tell you what would happen —
though you may well guess it — I don't think I would ever see the face of the sun
again.

Extract of a Letter from the Correspondent of the New- York Commercial
Advertiser, written at Aosta, in Piedmont.

" The city grave-yard is considerably larger than that at the parish, although
equally simple. The face of the little chapel at its side is covered with frescoes,
much injured by time. Its inscriptions have likewise suffered much from the same
cause. One section of the fresco, however, remains sufficiently clear to be very
well understood. It purports to be a representation of a company of human beings
in the flames of purgatory. Above the sufferers is seen an angel descending from
heaven with a palm branch, to place in the hand of one of the sufferers, and is about
to bear him to paradise. Near by, another angel is bending with a beautiful crown
of laurel, and is preparing to place it upon the brow of a second sufferer and to
escort him to a happier abode. An inscription beneath signifies that they who walk
in the middle shades of the dead have nothing to fear. Over the grave-yard gate I
read these words — 'Siste Viator? 'Stop Traveller!' The tombs of Rome and
Pompeii have the same startling admonition engraved upon them.

" In Roman Catholic countries the concerns of purgatory occupy one half of the
religious consideration of the people ; and vast sums are applied to help the souls of
the dead. In reference to this subject Caleb Cushing, in his Spanish Reminiscences,
tells a good thing. The Count of Villa Medina was the most gallant and witty cava-
lier about the court of Madrid ; young, handsome, brave, and munificent. Many of hi3
bon mots were famous. Being one day in the church of Madonna dell'Atocha, and ob-
servinga priest bearing about a basin soliciting 4 elemosina' to deliver souls from purga-
tory, the count threw down a pistole. ' Many thanks,' said the friar, ' there is one soul
released from purgatory.' The count threw in a second pistole ; 1 Another soul is re-
leased from purgatory,' cried the monk. The count gave him six pieces, one after
the other, receiving at each time the same response. ' Are you sure of it f demanded
the count. ' Yes, yes, most excellent senor,' answered the monk ; ' I vouch for their
being in heaven.' 'Well then,' said the count, ' I will take my money back again
seeing it is of no use to you, and the poor souls are fairly released from purgatory.'

" The cathedral of Aosta exhibits over its grand door a remarkably representation
of the Last Supper in sculpture. All the figures are of the size of life, and are so,
ingeniously introduced that the tableau looks like a real supper table, with its mem-
bers engaged in supping and conversation. One of the altars of this church is dedi-
cated to St. Honorius, the patron of the bakers. A full length painting of the saint
is seen over the altar, while in the perspective a company of bakers are observed
occupied in kneading dough and baking bread.

" Upon the walls of an old building I remarked a painting of the Virgin Maiy
with her hands gracefully extended, and rays of light or magnetism passing off from
them. In a church at Vercelli I lately saw a large fresco painting, which represented
the Virgin Mary surrounded by clouds of angels ; one angel was directly under her foot,
and others were flying about her with a golden crown, which they were putting upon

346

AMERICAN AND FOREIGN

(August,

her brow. Above the Virgin was visible the figure of a very aged man, whose snowy
flowing beard almost covered the jewels of the crown. This aged personage repre-
sented the ' Eternal Father,' ratifying her coronation as Queen of Heaven. All
through the country images of the Madonna are found by road-sides and upon house
fronts. When the peasantry pass these images they take off their hats ; some to say
their prayers, others to scratch their heads.

" In Aosta, upon the decease of one of its inhabitants, a piece of black cloth is
suspended at the sides of the door of the house of mourning, with a slip of paper
in the centre bearing the name of the deceased, and a request that prayers be ren-
dered for the repose of the soul. The following copy of one of these slips may
serve as an example :

Pregate Pray
per l'anima for the soul

della fu Damigella Felicita Botero. of the late Miss Felicity Botero.

" When persons of wealth and distinction die, the attendant demonstrations are
far more imposing. On such occasions the cathedral is put into mourning, and an
inscription is placed over its portal commemorative of the virtues of the departed.
When Charles Albert, the late sovereign of these dominions, died at Oporto, in Por-
tugal, July 29th, 1849, the metropolitan church at Turin was put in the deepest
mourning. The gloomy drapery of the temple was so arranged as to convey the
idea of the valley of the shadow7 of death. A large catafalco, ornamented with the
trophies of war, was in front of the main altar, around which the senators, the repre-
sentatives and the clergy assembled, to celebrate the mass for the repose of his soul.
When the candles were all lit the catafalco appeared like a blazing bonfire. Over
the door of the temple the following inscription appeared, from the pen of the pre-
sident of the Senate, Baron Mano. His language will sound strange to an Ameri-
can reader.

The National Parliament prostrates itself at the foot of the altar, and implores
with ferverous prayers that the heroic and holy spirit of Charles Albert, king, author of
our liberty and initiator of Italian independence, be admitted into the embraces of the
Almighty, and that he obtain for his desolate fatherland the fulfilment of the magna-
nimous hopes which he entertained for its good, but which, from adverse fortune,
he failed to realize.'

" On the demise of Charles Albert every church in the kingdom went into mourn-
ing, and celebrated mass in his behalf. Over the door of one of the humbler churches
in the town of Vercelli I read an inscription to this effect : ' Charles Albert, king, hero
in battle, wise in law, giver of liberty to his people, died in exile that he might not see
his country oppressed by the stranger. Pray for his repose.'

"In Protestant states, upon the loss of a ruler or governor, the people, acting
upon the conviction that the soul of the departed is, peradventure, beyond all human
influence or succour, direct their whole thought to the moral application of the be-
reavement for the improvement of the living, and to implore that Heaven may sanc-
tify the event to the national good.

" In Roman Catholic countries exactly the reverse occurs. The living are left
almost entirely out of the question, the main aim being to relieve the soul of the
dead, and to extricate it as speedily as possible from the purgatorial sufferings of an
intermediate state.

1850.)

CHRISTIAN UNION.

34:1

" It was interesting to examine the inscriptions over the doors of the Italian
churches on the death of Charles Albert. Some conveyed the most curious apprehen-
sions for his situation, and recommended that if the people entertained any affection
for their late sovereign the sooner they said their prayers in his behalf the better.

" Others intimated that he might not be so badly off as was supposed, while others,
again, testified that he was perhaps already released from purgatory, and was even
then looking down from heaven and helping them by his prayers.

" I am now under the shadow of the Alps, on the dividing boundary of France and
Switzerland. I have travelled from Mount ^Etna, in Sicily, through the different capi-
tals of the Italian Kingdom to the vale of Aosta;and in all my wanderings I have only
seen three copies of the Word of God in the Italian language, namely, one at Pompeii,
one at a book stall in Milan, which had been put in circulation by some English
Bible agent, and another at a library in Milan, a very elaborate edition in 12 volumes,
with copious notes by the Arch-Bishop of Florence — price ten dollars. If this copy
should be bought by a Roman Catholic, he would be obliged to purchase a dispen-
sation before he would be authorized to read it.

''Perhaps no country in the world is more liberally endowed with churches than
Italy. They constitute her chief glory and principal wealth. She has within her
borders some of the sublimest temples in which man ever prayed. She has not much
occasion to add to their number. In church building she appears to have almost
finished her labors. In all my observations I only saw four new temples going up.
Namely one at Leghorn, one at Turin, one at Milan and one upon the battlefield of
Marengo."

No one can see much of Papal countries without being struck with the
superstitious practices which the writer of the preceding extracts has described.
We ourselves have often remarked them when in Italy, Savoy, portions of
Austria, Spain, Belgium, and elsewhere. How profound and deplorable is the
ignorance of the masses, so far as spiritual things are concerned ! Their idea
of religion is that it consists very much in ceremonial and sacramental services :
and that the performances of them, in connection with the absolution of the
priest and the prayers of the Virgin Mary and the other saints, is all that is
needed to secure the salvation of the soul, — not, however, in ordinary cases
until it has undergone the purifying flames of Purgatory. How simple,
glorious, and heaven-like is the way of salvation which the Gospel reveals,
and which the Reformers labored to bring back to the world !

As to churches, or places of worship, Romanism does not need many in
comparison with Protestantism. The former relies on the Mass, or public
prayers, (both in Latin,) or Confession, and makes but little account of preach-
ing, or solid instruction. There is but little room, in fact, for preaching ; which
requires more or less of disunion, or argument, — for Rome does not desire her
followers do any thing more than believe, unhesitatingly, what she teaches.
The latter, (Protestantism,) on the other hand, directs its followers to the Word
of God, and urges them to ascertain for themselves, the will of God as revealed
in the Sacred Volume. It says: "Believe only what God has said." It
courts and even demands investigation. It requires that the people should

348

AMERICAN AND FOREIGN

(August,

be instructed, not out of the Dogmas of the Church, or the Decrees of Coun-
cils, or the Bulls of Popes, but out of the Holy Scriptures. To do this, many
churches are necessary, in order that the people may hear with comfort and
profit. The labors of many preachers and pastors are needed to enlighten,
instruct, guide and defend the people.

]STo one can go into the great cathedrals and other large churches in Papal
countries without being struck with the fact that however splendid they may
be as specimens of architecture, they were not made for the instruction of the
people by preaching. Many of them are too large for this, and scarcely any
of them have permanent seats. It is evident that public prayers and the
chaunting of the Mass, are the chief means of grace (if we may employ the
expression) which the masses enjoy. During these services they may stand
or kneel. On extraordinary occasions, as during Lent, &c. there is more or
less preaching, but as a general thing, Rome has not been fond of " Ger-
man preaching" as Queen Elizabeth was in the habit of calling it.

" The Protestant World."

Under this title a new periodical, to be issued quarterly, and probably
soon monthly, of 32 very large pages with double columns, has been com-
menced in London. The editor is the Rev. James Carlyle, D. D., who is one
of the soundest and most vigorous writers in England. We have received
two numbers, and have read them with great satisfaction and profit. We
take the liberty to subjoin an article taken from the second number, entitled,
The Right of Private Judgment, which our readers will find well wor-
thy of their regard.

The Protestant World will annually make a volume of 128 pages, equal
in reality to nearly, if not quite, 300 common duodecimo pages ; and yet the
work is offered to American subscribers at fifty cents per annum, exclusive of
the postage on this side the water. We do not hesitate to recommend it
strongly to those who desire a work which will contain many able articles on
all the great points at issue between Romanists and Protestants. This is the
grand characteristic of the work. It is for discussion mainly, though not
exclusively.

We heartily reciprocate the kindness with which its talented editor has
noticed our "American and Foreign Christian Union," and shall not only
be happy to exchange with him, but we will most cheerfully act, as will our
agents, as agents for the circulation of the M The Protestant World " in
this country.

We wish we could give our readers more than one article from the valu-
able mine of instruction which the second number of this work contains, and
of which we can do no more, in order to give them some idea of its contents,

1850.)

CHRISTIAN UNION.

349

than to state the subjects, which are as follows : Baptismal Regeneration :
is it Scriptural ? (addressed to the Archbishop of Canterbury) ; The Church
of Rome contrasted with the Church in Rome ; Transubstantiation : is it
■reasonable ? The Right of Private Judgment ; Thoughts on Romanists,
(Dr. Nevins) ; The Pope, the Sultan, and the Czar ; The Council of Trent,
(Dr. Brownlee) ; Romanism behind the Age ; Right of Private Judgment
recognized by the Church of Rome ; Popular Errors among Protestants ;
Symetry of Christian Truth; Romanism in Ireland; British Piety : does
it prosper? Influences of the Holy Spirit; a Solemn Question for Protes-
tants; Poetry, <Stc.

The Right of Private Judgment.

" What is this right ? Is it the right of every man to believe as he likes'? Is it
the right of each individual to set up his own reason as the standard of truth? Is it
the right of each to set up his own notions as the rule of faith? No; it is not this.
It is wholly different from any of these. It is true, we admit, that each individual has
the right, so far as his fellow men are concerned, to believe the greatest absurdities
he likes, or if he chooses, to set up his reason as the standard of truth. If he does so,
none have a right to interfere with him beyond the employment of argument and
remonstrance. But this procedure of his must not be dignified by being called the
right of private judgment.

".The right for which we plead is the right of each person to exercise his mind on
every subject brought before him — to examine the claims of every teacher and every
book which professes to have come from God — to try every doctrine pressed on his
attention, by the Touchstone of Truth, the Sacred Scriptures — to prove all things, and
hold fast that which is good — to do all this, without permitting any human authority
to prevent him, without bowing submissively before any such self-constituted tribunal.

" But he may err in the exercise of this right. We grant it. 1 To err is human,'
even in things of vastest importance. But if a man must refrain from exercising a
right because he may possibly err in using it, he must forego all his rights, and be-
come a maniac, or a fool. Men do not act so in secular affairs, and they should not
in those that are religious. If a man errs in either, the fault is his own ; if he errs in
his judgment respecting religion, he is accountable to God.

" 1. Without the exercise of this right there can be no religion, and no Church can
ever prove itself to be a true Church, or prove that it is not an imposition. What religion
can that man have who knows not why or wherefore he believes ? An unreasoning reli-
gion, an irrational religion, is properly no religion. And if a church presents her claims
to men who will not reason, who dare not exercise the right of private judgment,
how can she succeed in establishing those claims? Obviously, to succeed is hopeless.
Let then, the Church of Rome, which denies and scouts this right, appear among a
heathen or a Protestant people, and how will she proceed? How can she prove to
them that she is the 1 true Church,' the 4 chaste spouse of Christ,' the 1 mother and
mistress of all Churches,' the source of infallible authority? Clearly, if the people
will not judge and examine, she cannot ; and if she urges them to examine her cre-
dentials, which she spreads before them, she concedes the right of private judgment,
contradicts herself, and it may be, puts a weapon into their hands for her own des-

350

AMERICAN AND FOREIGN

(August,

truction ; for they, in the use of the right which she acknowledges them to possess,
may be led to reject her as an impostor, and her credentials as forged. And then
what is she to do ? Having conceded to them the right which they have exercised, she
cannot now withdraw it, nor compel them to come to a different conclusion from that
at which they have arrived. For if she attempts either, her case will not be improved.
She fails still to establish her claims. Compulsory means employed to bring them to
submit, or to profess submission to her authority, will not make them believe that
her claims are spiritual and divine. It is clear, then, that the right of private judgment
lies at the root of all rational religion ; and that even the Church of Rome cannot
proceed a step without its practical recognition.

" 2. Nor is the full recognition of this right more important to religion than it is
to civil and religious liberty. It lies at the basis of all such liberty. Its denial is the
root of spiritual despotism, and leads to religious persecution. Let restraint be laid
on liberty of thought, let freedom of inquiry be prohibited, let it be made a sin to
question any point of the established or predominant religion, and you have such per-
secution in its germ. Give it opportunity, and it will soon begin to bud, and blossom,
and bear fruit, and the fruit will be bitter. To restrain freedom of thought and in-
quiry, recourse must be had to coercion ; pains and penalties, or at least forfeiture of
privileges, must be inflicted. Here is the demon of persecution — that, perhaps, worst
of devils on earth; and, we may add, religious liberty once destroyed, civil liberty
will soon follow it. They cannot live apart. They must live or die together. No
people can be truly free among whom the right of private judgment is not practically
recognised.

" 3. The consequences which thus appear as naturally flowing from the denial of
the right of private judgment, sufficiently characterizes such denial as Anti-Christian.
But other considerations, equally or more powerful, may be urged in vindication of
this right. The man who refuses to exercise this right can never be sure that he is in
the truth. For all he knows, or can know, all his opinions are wrong. For all he
knows, or can know, he may be pursuing the path of ruin. For all he knows or can
know, he may be th3 dupe of the most cruel imposture. While he thinks he is in the
true Church, he may belong to the ' synagogue of Satan.' While he thinks he is in
the road to heaven, he may be rapidly pacing the road to hell. He cannot tell whi-
ther he is going. He is in the dark. His eyes are blind-folded. Blindly led, for
aught he knows, by blind guides, he may, ere he is aware, fall into the ditch.

" 4. But God has endowed man with judging and reasoning faculties, and this shows
that is the design of Heaven, and the right of man, that they should be exercised.
Here the argument from design is most apparent and conclusive. Man is capable
of judging and reasoning. God made him so, and has spread before him the book
of Nature and the book of Scripture, both relations of himself. He is at liberty, he
is bound to investigate both. There is no restraint imposed. All that man can ac-
complish by the exercise of his mind, he is at liberty to achieve. The mightiest
grasp of intellect of which he is capable is the birthright of his nature. The impos-
sible and the infinite are the only barriers opposed to his progress. These are bar-
riers which, in the nature of things, must impede the investigations of the loftiest
created intellect; but so far as his powers of mind can carry him, so far it is the
right and the duty of every man to go. To inquire about God is his noblest em-
ployment. This is the loftiest, holiest, and most awful theme. Here it is that the

1850.)

CHRISTIAN UNION.

351

human mind comes into contact with the infinite. ' Who by searching can find out
God ? Who can find out the Almighty to perfection ? It is high as heaven, what
canst thou do? — deeper than hell, what canst thou know ? The measure thereof is
wider than the earth and broader than the sea.' In the presence of the infinitely
glorious attributes of Deity man must feel his nothingness; yet all that is knowable
of God man should aspire to know. Unless God himself has laid a restriction on the
exercise of the human intellect — unless he has tabaoed certain departments of
knowledge — unless he has forbidden the mind to conduct its investigations into
certain regions — no creature, endowed with mind, should allow himself to be res-
trained from pushing his inquiries in every direction. He should ' intermeddle with
all knowledge ;' for ' things revealed belong unto us and our children to know them.'

" 5. That it is the design of God, man should exercise his powers in judging for
himself is rendered still further apparent from the fact that he has always treated
Mm as a creature possessing this right — the right of judging for himself. In the
mission of Moses, in the mission of Jesus Christ, in the mission of the apostles, he
has appealed to man's reason, and called for the exercise of his judging faculties.
Man has never been required to believe without proof. Christ Jesus, like Moses,
appealed to his miracles, and demanded the faith of the Jews, in his divine mission,
on the ground of evidence ; and the apostles reasoned with their hearers out of the
Old Testament Scripture to prove the truth of the doctrines they preached. (Acts,
17 : 1-3, 11.)

" 6. And if we desire further proof, we have it in the fact that the right of private
judgment is enforced and established by the authority of God, in his word — ' I speak as
unto wise men, judge ye what I say;' 'Prove all things;' 'Try the spirits;' 'Why
even of your own selves judge ye not what is right1?' 'Mark them that cause divi-
sions, and avoid them ;' ' Beware of false prophets.' Such are the injunctions of
Scripture. (1 Cor. 10 : 13 ; 1 Thes. 5 : 21 ; 1 John, 4:1; Luke, 12 : 57 ; Rom. 14:15;
Matt. 7 : 15.) And theBereans are eulogised as ' noble] because they gladly received
the Word of God,, and searched the Scriptures daily to ascertain whether the things
Paul preached 'were so.' (Acts, 17 : 11.)

"7. But, finally, as a creature personally responsible to God, man is bound to ex-
ercise his mind, humbly and reverently, with a view to ascertain his relations to the
Most High, to find out how he stands with God, and what are the grounds of accep-
tance with the Holy One. He cannot perform, by proxy, what he is personally bound
to do himself. He cannot stand by proxy at the Divine tribunal. He cannot de-
nude himself of his individuality. He cannot devolve his accountability on another
' Every one must give an account of himself to God? Individual responsibility
should, therefore, stimulate to individual thought on every subject connected with
the soul's eternal weal. It should teach us not to yield our minds, in passive sub-
jection and blind obedience, to the guidance of others. It should stir up the slug-
gishness of our nature, and dispel the apathy of our souls, which render us too sloth-
ful to think, and make us glad to avoid the disagreeable task of bending our minds
to earnest inquiry and calm investigation. We must stand before God. We must
be judged for our faith and practice. We must give an account; and if we have
foolishly and slothfully left the care of our spiritual concerns to others, then there
will be no time to retrieve our mistake — our doom is sealed.

" Let us, then, use our right. Let us exercise our minds. Let us do justice to
our souls. The soul is the essence of the man; without it he has little to distin-

352

AMERICAN AND FOREIGN

(August,

guish him from the beasts which perish. It is the mind that capacitates him for
every noble achievement, which qualifies him for communion with the eternal
mind, and for indefinite improvement in knowledge, purity, and happiness. This is
the ' glory ' of the man. And freedom is pre-eminently the attribute of mind. God
made it to be free. Activity is essential to its being — certninly to its well-being. It
cannot be chained without its own consent. If enslaved, it must be a party to its
own degradation. The elements maybe restrained; the fire, the air, the light, the
electric fluid, may be put under the power of man, and compelled to subserve his
purposes; but the mind is subject to no physical restraint. The body may be shackled,
and tortured, and destroyed ; but the chain, the sword, the fire cannot touch the
mind. It is beyond the reach of the tyrant's rage — beyond the reach of the perse-
cutor's power. While the body is imprisoned, the mind may be soaring to the highest
heavens, and winging its flight from star to star through the universe of God. Free-
dom, then, is the glorious attribute of mind. This freedom is a divine gift ; its pre-
servation and exercise are indispensable to our allegiance to God, as well as to our
own happiness. For man to attempt to rob his fellow of this gift is to outrage the
most sacred of human rights, and to usurp a divine prerogative.

" « Guard, then, the gift divine, Oh, let not error blind,

Than gems or gold more rare ; Nor passion reign o'er thee ;

Watch o'er the sacred shrine ; Keep free the immortal mind ;

No foe must enter there. God made it to be free.'

" ' Prove all things ; hold fast that which is good.' I. J — gs."

Hon. Edward Everett's Estimate of the Bible.

At the late meeting of the Massachusetts Bible Society, Mr. Everett
delivered an admirable speech, from which we have taken the subjoined pas-
sages. They are well worthy of an attentive perusal. It is seldom that one
meets with any thing so original, so just, and so instructive.

" It will be said, perhaps, that what has thus happened to the Scriptures has also
happened to the profane literature of Greece and Rome; that we may read Homer
and Virgil as we read the Old and New Testament, in a translation. To some extent
this is true, as far as the parallel applies to the Greek Scriptures ; but I need not say,
that as far as the ancient literature of Western Asia is concerned, nothing has descend-
ed to us but the Scriptures of the Old Testament. Of the language of the Phoenicians,
the people who are supposed to have invented the alphabet, nothing has escaped
destruction but ten or twelve lines preserved in a Latin play. But if any one is dis-
posed to infer, from the preservation of some of the Latin and Greek classics, that
there was no other principle of vitality concerned in the transmission of the Scrip-
tures, I may state in reply the undoubted fact, that, as far as we can thread the chain
of cause and effect, it is Christianity which was mainly instrumental in this result. It
was not the knowledge of the Latin and Greek which kept the Bible from perishing,
while they were the temporary vehicles of its circulation : it was the study of the
Scriptures and the labors of Christian men which mainly contributed to prevent those
languages from dying out. But for the ecclesiastical uses made of the Greek and
Latin, the language of Cicero and Demosthenes might have shared the fate of that of

1850.)

CHRISTIAN UNION.

353

Egypt and Assyria. On the other hand, if there had been a version of the Old Testa-
ment into the language and character of ancient Egypt or ancient Assyria, the sculp-
tured sides of the obelisks and temples of Memphis and Thebes would not have
remained a mystery and a riddle for ages; nor would the arrow-headed inscriptions
of the wonderful ruins of Nimroud and Persepolis still defy the sagacity of the learned
world. They would have been as intelligible as Hebrew or Arabic.

" It is not my purpose, Sir, to urge the importance of the Scriptures in any con-
nection with human learning in any of its branches ; nor to intimate that there is any-
thing miraculous in their preservation from remote antiquity, although we cannot, I
think, doubt them to have been the objects of an overruling and disposing Providence.
What I have wished to point out to the consideration of the Society and the assembly
is, that kind of instinct, — if I may so call it, — which has led the church (by which I
understand the mass of holiness) in all ages, — to provide for the reading of the Scrip-
tures by the generality of mankind; and this in opposition to the interest, which the
professed depositaries of religious truth have in most, perhaps all other cases, shown,
to monopolize the knowledge of it. I cannot but think that it is a strong argument
in favor of the circulation of the Scriptures as a basis of religious belief, deduced
from the experience of the world in all periods of history.

"There is another consideration of a practical nature, which I should be glad to
offer to the meeting if I have not exceeded my allowance of time. We all have
pretty strong and, as I think, just impressions of the superiority of Christendom over
the Mohammedan, Hindoo, and Pagan countries. Our civilization, I know, is still very
imperfect, impaired by many a vice and many a wToe which disgraces our Christian
nature, and

" Appears a spot upon the vestal's robe,
** The worse for what it soils.

But when we compare the condition of things in Christendom with that which pre-
vails in the countries just named, we find that all the evils which exist among us
prevail there in a greater degree, while they are subject to innumerable others, — so
dreadful as to make us almost ready to think it were better for the mass of the popu-
lation, humanly speaking, if they had never been born. Well, now, Mr. Chairman,
what maketh us to differ? I know of no final and sufficient cause, but the different
character of Christianity, and the religions which prevail in Turkey, Persia, India,
China, and the other semi-civilized or barbarous countries; and this difference, as far
as I know, is accurately reflected in their sacred books. I mean, Sir, that the Bible
stands to the Koran and the Vedas in the same relation as that in which Christianity
stands to Mohammedanism, or Brahmanism, or Buddism — or Christendom to Turkey,
Hindostan, or China.

" We should all, I believe, more fully appreciate the value of the Scriptures, if we
compared them with other books assuming the character of sacred. I have not done
it so much as I wish I had ; but one reason, — a main one, — has been, the extreme
repulsiveness of those books which I have tried to read. I have several times in my
life attempted to read the Koran. I have done so lately. I have approached it with
a highly excited literary curiosity. I have felt a strong desire to penetrate this great
mystery of the Arabian desert. As I have, in some quiet Turkish town — (for in the
provincial Turkish towns there is little of the bustle of our western life) — listened at
the close of day to the clear, calm voice of the muezzin, from the top of the graceful
minaret, calling the faithful to evening prayer, — as I have mused on the vicissitudes

Vol. 1— No. 8. 23

354

AMERICAN AND FOREIGN

(August,

of all human things, beneath the venerable dome of St. Sophia's, I have, I may say,
longed to find some rational ground of sympathy between Christianity and Islam;
but anything more repulsive and uninviting than the Koran I have seldom attempted
to peruse, even when taken up with these kindly feelings. And yet, Sir, you are
well aware that it is not conceived in a spirit of hostility to the Old and New Testa-
ment, but recognizes them both as a divine revelation. With such portions of the
sacred books of the Hindoos as have fallen in my way, the case is far worse. The
mythological system contained in them is a tissue of monstrosities and absurdities,
by turns so revolting and nauseous as to defy perusal, except from some strong
motive of duty or of literary curiosity, which would prompt the investigation. I
really believe, Sir, that few things would do more to raise the Scriptures in our esti-
mation, than to compare the Bible with the Koran and the Vedas. It is not a course
of reading to be generally recommended. The books are scarce, and, as I have said,
their contents eminently repulsive; — but I will venture to say to those whose profes-
sional duty it is to maintain the sacred character of the Christian Scriptures, that I
know of scarce any line of reading which might be taken up with greater advantage,
for the purpose of fair comparison, than that of the sacred books, as they are called,
of the Mohammedans and Hindoos.

"One word more, Sir, and I have done. It is sometimes objected to an indis-
criminate distribution of the Bible, that it may be perverted, misunderstood, neglected,
and abused. And what means of improvement, what instrument of Christian benevo-
lence, is not subject to the same drawback ? The fault is in the mind of man, sub-
ject to error, to the blinding effect of passion, to the debasement of vice, in all that
he does, and in all that is done for him. There are things in the Bible hard to be
understood. And what is there, — if we strive to go beyond the mere outside, — which
does not contain things hard to be understood1? Even our exact sciences, — con-
structed upon ideas, the creation of our own minds, — are full of difficulties. When
we turn from revealed truth to the teachings of human speculatists on duty and
morals, do we not encounter on the threshold those terrible problems of

"Providence, fore-knowledge, will, and fate —
" Fixed fate, free will, fore-knowledge absolute,

problems that have tasked the unaided understanding of man ever since he began to
think and to reason. For myself, Sir, I am more and more inclined to believe that
the truth is presented to us in the Bible in the form best adapted to the infinite variety
of the character and talent, intellectual and moral, to which it is addressed. It is not
such a Bible as the wit of man would have conceived ; — but it is such a one as the
wants of man called for. The acceptance it has found, alike in ancient and modem
times, with the learned and the ignorant— the old and the young,— the high and the
low,— the prosperous and the wretched, shows that it is really adapted in itself, not
to one country, age or class, but to man ;— that it speaks to the unchanging wants,
and sorrows, and frailties, and aspirations of the human heart."

Puseyite Nunnery.

" Under the patronage of a body of men who are called Miss Sellon's commit-
tee, large sums, amounting to about fourteen thousand pounds, have been promised
for the erection of a monastic institution at Devonport ; and the commencement of

1850.)

CHRISTIAN UNION.

355

the work is only deferred until the money has been actually collected, though a site
we believe has been purchased. The total sum proposed to be employed in the
erection of a building for thirty sisters, and intended for the reception also of or-
phans, comprising school rooms and an infirmary, is £18,000. Among the commit-
tee are the names of Lords Nelson, Castlereagh, Fielding, Camden, John Manners,
Clinton, Lyttleton, De Tabley, and the expelled Lord Chief Justice Campbell.
Besides this law lord are Baron Alderson, Mr. Justice Patteson, and Mr. Justice
Coleridge. No English bishop appears, but the humbler prelates of Glasgow and
Brechin have appended their names (assuming the title of " lord bishop.") The
Deans of Exeter, Chichester, and Archdeacons Manning, Thorp, and Wilberforce,
with the Warden of Winchester College, and a large body of baronets, clergy,
admirals, captains, and civilians of the laity, make up the list of seventy-two members

Of the Committee. — London Record.

Influence of God's Word.
The following paragraph is taken from the " London Wesley an Maga-
zine," for February, 1850, page 250 :

" A short time since, on a Romish priest making his appearance at Charribb Town,
one of our members, a converted Charribb, holding an appointment under the
government, came to our teacher to acquaint him of his arrival ; and in the fulness of
his zeal, desired to know if he should ' turn him off the place.' ' No,' said the
teacher ; 1 take the Bible to him, and request him to expound the Second Command-
ment.' The Bible was taken ; the Word of God was quick and powerful, and too
much for the priest to grapple with. On the following morning he very quietly
took his departure. ' The entrance of Thy Word giveth light.' "

Letter from the Rev. Joseph Webster, Honduras Bay.

Ireland—Rev. Alexander King.

Our American Committee in Dublin have taken hold of the work in Ire-
land in good earnest. Would to God that we had the ability to aid them as
we should. There is a work which American Christians may well perform in
that country from which so many of them, or of their ancestors, came, and
which has exerted, and is destined long to continue to exert, so great an in-
fluence upon our country.

In the meanwhile, the Rev. Alexander King, so favorably known among
us, and who is now an agent of our American and Foreign Christian
Union, is laboring incessantly, and evidently with much effect, to diffuse
truth and overcome error by means of popular lectures and discussions. He
says that he is almost killed by these engagements, but he is cheered by the
great success with which his labors are crowned. At the date of one of his
last letters, Dr. Achilli was in Dublin, where his presence and addresses were
producing much effect, not only on Protestants but also on Romanists. Dr.

356

AMERICAN AND FOREIGN

(August,

A. cannot, therefore, come to this country for a while. We think that lie
may be expected, as we have elsewhere said, in the autumn, if not before.

We learn from Saunders' News-Letter, one of the Dublin papers, that
Mr. King has delivered a series of lectures in that city, which are of a
nature to attract large audiences, and, with God's blessing, to do much good.
What the subject of one of these lectures was we may learn from an adver-
tisement in that journal, bearing the date of the 29th of March. It is as
follows : —

" Protestantism in the Church of Rome. Lecture on the above sub-
ject, in the Rotunda, on Thursday Evening, at half-past seven o'clock, by the
Rev. A. King. Illustrations from Dr. O'Connell and other authorities — Quotations
from the Protest of the Romans against the Pope — Testimony against Persecution
by Protestant Ministers — Letters answered. To the Rev. Dr. O'Connell. — Rev.
Sir — True Christianity sanctions and elevates the sentiment of Patriotism — ' Righte-
ousness exalteth a nation.' Our country has been oppressed and degraded by su-
perstition and foreign tyranny — our people cannot be free and happy until they re-
nounce the religion of priestcraft and statecraft, and embrace the pure and Scriptural
Catholic faith. You know the people have been deluded and wronged in the name
of Christianity. You know they have been taught in the name of Christ and of St.
Peter and St. Patrick, many things which Christ and St. Peter and St, Patrick did
not teach. You know that St. Peter had a wife, and that St. Patrick's father and
grandfather were clergymen. You know that neither Christ, nor St. Peter, nor St.
Patrick ever taught the People to pray to Saints and Angels, or to worship the Vir-
gin Mary. You know they never celebrated Mass, or taught the modern Romish
doctrines of Auricular Confession, Purgatory, and Transubstantiation. You have
publicly promised to ' demonstrate' and defend these doctrines. I invite you to re-
deem your pledge, and if you cannot defend Popery, I solemnly charge you to re-
nounce it and embrace Christianity. — Believe me, Rev. Sir, respectfully your Friend
in the Truth, A. King.

Certainly there is no mincing matters here, and we are anxious to learn how
Dr. O'Connell received the solemn " charge " contained in the close of it.

The next day the following advertisement appeared, which we are sure our read-
ers will be interested in perusing.

" Protestantism in the Church of Rome. Lecture in the Rotunda, on this
Evening, at half-past seven o'clock, by Rev. A. King. Dr. O'Connell's Abandon-
ment of the Doctrines of the Church of Rome. The following invitation to
Dr. O'Connell has been refused insertion in the Freeman's Journal — Roman Catho-
lics may guess why — ' Transubstantiation. — To Rev. Dr. O'Connell. — Rev. Sir
— It is not from love of controversy, or from any sectarian or disrespectful feeling
I continue to address you. My honest and earnest desire is to promote, in our be-
loved native land, the blessings of Christian patriotism. I am convinced that
Transubstantiation, and other doctrines of the Church of Rome, are contrary to
reason and the Word of God — injurious to our country, and productive of sectarian-
ism, superstition and infidelity. Giving you all credit for honest belief in these
doctrines, I respectfully invite you to explain and defend them. If you believe
me to be in error, it is your sacred duty to endeavor to enlighten and convert me.

1850.)

CHRISTIAN UNION.

357

tf you 'demonstrate' that Transubstantiation is reasonable and scriptural, I and many-
others will be bound to embrace the Roman Catholic faith. I beg, therefore, to ask
— Can you change a wafer into Christ ? If so — How do you possess and exercise
this miraculous power ? — How can you prove that the bread is changed into Christ's
flesh, and the wine into his blood ? — Does the wine lose its inebriating qualities ? —
If the bread had been previously poisoned, would it be safe to swallow it ? — If
not, why not ? — Have you, or has a Latin prayer, power to change a wafer into
Christ, but no power over alcohol or arsenic ? Do, Rev. Sir, have the goodness
to answer these questions. Many persons, Roman Catholics and Protestants, are
very anxious that you should redeem your pledge, and proceed to ' demonstrate.'
If you do not, your present public labors will certainly tend to promote Protestant
opinions. — I am, Rev. Sir, in Christian truth and charity, yours respectfully,

"A. King."

It appears, however, that all Mr. King's efforts to induce Dr. O'Connell to
" demonstrate" were in vain, for on the 17 th day of April he published the
following very characteristic letter in Saunders1 News-Letter. It is evident
that Dr. O'C. is disposed to play "shy."

" THE ORACLE HAS SPOKEN !

" Dr. O'Connell's Reasons why he will not ' Demonstrate ' or Discuss.
"friends of truth.

" Roman Catholics and Protestants who have attended Controversial Lectures
recently delivered in this city, will be curious to know Dr. O'Connell's excuses for
mot discussing religious questions.

" From papers recently published, it appears that in private correspondence with
a respected clergyman of the Established Church, under date of March 3rd, (Sun-
day,) Doctor O'Connell wrote the following : —

" ' On the same evening,' (Sunday evening, 24th February,) ' I spoke of another
clergyman, without mentioning however, his name, as I had no idea of discussing

with him any point of controversy. The fact is, the Rev. Mr. * challenged me,

through the medium of the morning journals, to argue with him in the room of the
Rotunda the question of Transubstantiation. To that challenge I paid no attention
whatever — nor even to his private letter to myself, which had been written subse-
quently to this public challenge. I thought that such a challenge, at this holy
season, seemed to point out one who sought for notoriety, as he could not secure
fame."

" Truth requires a few remarks on the Rev. Doctor's averments.

" The complimentary imputation at the close may 1 demonstrate' his honorable and
charitable imaginations, rather than his participation in infallibility. He seems deter-
mined to secure to his opponents whatever ' fame' may arise from his dread of their
arguments. But, in our times, it is no great exploit to oblige a champion of priest-
craft to shrink from discussion ; and of the ' notoriety,' in this behoof, it is possible
the Doctor may have the larger share himself.

"The Facts of the case are — 1st. My private note— couched in most kind
and respectful terms— was sent to Dr. O'Connell when the advertisement was sent
to the paper. 2nd. I did not use the style of a ' challenge,' and I did not ask him

" * The circumstances will show that my name should fill the blank.

358

AMERICAN AND FOREIGN

(August,

to discuss with' me * in the room of the Rotunda.' My advertisement was as
follows

"Transubstantiation,

"to the rev. dr. o'connell, of waterford.
" Reverend Sir — Having seen in Saunder's News-Letter of Saturday last an
advertisement, in which you speak of Transubstantiation as part of the Catholic
Faith, and undertake to 'demonstrate' that it is reasonable and scriptural; and not
having been able to hear your sermon, I take the liberty to address you on the sub-
ject. I sincerely desire to promote the faith of Catholic Christianity, and I am
rejoiced to find that a gentleman of learning and intelligence is prepared to argue on
the dogmas of the Church of Rome, and to recognise the people's rights, by appealing
to their understandings. I believe that Transubstantiation is not a part of the
Catholic faith — that it is unreasonable and unscriptural, and that the belief of it is
detrimental to the spiritual and social interests of our countrymen. I therefore re-
spectfully invite you to discuss the subject, either orally or through the press, and
to pray that we may be led to do so for the glory of God and the good of our
neighbors. — I am, Rev. Sir, in Christian courtesy, your obedient servant,

"A. King.

" 3rd. The clergyman before referred to having inquired about language employed
by Dr. O'Connell, on Sunday evening, February 24th, the Doctor replied by assuring
him that it was of the above offensive 'challenge' and of its author he spoke, though
it was not extant until the 26th !

" Marvellous power of the Priesthood! On Sunday he criticised a Document
that did not exist before the following Tuesday ! ! ! This beats the electric
telegraph and all the prodigies of clairvoyance. If this be true, the power of the
priest is worth something. If Dr. O'Connell can 4 demonstrate ' this he may venture
to undertake Transubstantlytion and ' the unanimous consent of the Fathers.'

" Some persons will ask how was this ? But ' how ' and ' why ' are Protestant
words ; and it is heretical not to take a priest's word for any impossibility.

" Men and Brethren, I desire not to charge Dr. O'Connell with any bad intention.
I freely forgive him for any bad thing he may have said of me, and I earnestly pray
for his happiness and salvation. I regret being obliged to speak of him in this per-
sonal and pointed manner. But truth and duty compel me to ask, has he assigned
adequate reasons for declining my invitation to a discussion which he had
himself virtually challenged ?

" I would submit the whole case between us to the verdict of a Roman Catholic
jury. Would he do so ? If not, why not 1

" Dr. O'Connell declares against discussing questions of Christian fciith. He is
reported to have said, ' That is not the Catholic way of settling religious
questions ! I respectfully reply, it is the Catholic way. It was the way of our
Lord and His Apostles. It is the way of Christian Missionaries in heathen lands.
It is the way of truth, of reason, and of common sense ; and it is the way by which
God will cause Christianity to attain the dominion of the world ! The way of
Priestly dogmatism, anathema, and the Inquisition* is almost at an end, within the
pale of intelligence and freedom. God has formed the human mind for truth. Truth

" * P.S. — The Catholic way, the Roman way, and Doctor O'Connell's way, will proba-
bly all be explained in the Rotunda by Dr. Achilli and others, on Thursday evening.

1850.)

CHRISTIA N UNION.

359

must be discovered by inquiry, and not by cursing. ' No lie is of the truth.' 4 He
that doeth truth cometh to the light.' ' Speaking the truth in love,' and ' commend-
ing the truth to every man's conscience in the sight of God' are the Divinely appoint-
ed means of Christian conviction and edification ; and when an inspired Apostle speaks
of 1 vain talkers and deceivers,' * whose mouths must be stopped,' he prescribes not
the gag or the priest's mandate, but ' sound speech that cannot be condemned !'

" Dr. O'Connell virtually admits that he cannot 'demonstrate' or discuss the dog-
mas of modern Romanism. The Priest proclaims priestcraft indefensible, and let

ALL THE PEOPLE SAY AMEN!

"With Christian love to all who love the truth, and with fervent prayers for the
speedy termination of controversy, by the destruction of error, I am, in sincere good
will to Dr. O'Connell, and to all men, a feeble but faithful foe of fictions in Re-
ligion. A. King."

A Prayer for a Devout Christian, taken from Saint Patrick's Hymn.

" Almighty God, for Christ's sake, teach me to pray. May thy power, O God,
preserve me, may thy wisdom instruct me, may thine eye watch over me, may thine
ear hear me, may thy word, O God, render me eloquent, may thy guidance direct
me, may thy gracious help secure me against the snares of the devil, the temptations
of vices, the lusts of the flesh, and all dangers that may threaten my soul or body.

"Christ be with me, to save me ; Christ before me, to lead me; Christ after
me, to bring me back from sin and error; Christ in me, the hope of glory ; Christ
under me, as my support and foundation; Christ over me, to shield and cover me;
Christ my only hope, my all in all.

"Salvation is of the Lord: salvation is by Christ: may thy salvation, O Lord,
be always with us for Christ's sake. Amen."

Really, St. Patrick must have been what we should in these days call a
very good Protestant. If our Roman Catholic friends will still continue to
claim him, we can only wish that they would become more like him in his
spirit, in his Scriptural faith and piety, and in his humble and godly labors.
We should not regret to see Ireland full of such Christians as St. Patrick
seems to have been. We very much doubt whether Rome would like him
very much if he were alive now. Nor do we think either he, or Augustine,
or St. Chrysostom, or St. Peter himself, would recognize the Church of
Rome as the Church of which they were members, or Pius IX. as the Vice-
gerent of Christ. No, no ; this would be too much for them to believe.
The times have wonderfully changed since their day.

Letters to the Rev. Dr. Candlish,

No. V.

My dear Dr. Candlish,

I have desired to devote one letter to the consideration of the difficulties
which are believed by many to beset the attempt to convert the Irish Roman-

360

AMERICAN AND FOREIGN

(August,

ists. On the part of many in this country these difficulties are deemed insu-
perable. To so great a degree is this opinion cherished, on the part of some,
that they are entirely unwilling to take any interest in efforts which have this
end for their object. To such persons, the conversion of Irish Papists is
utterly hopeless. Any other people — Heathens, Mohammedans, Jews, Infi-
dels— may be converted ; but the poor benighted, bigotted Irish Roman Ca-
tholics must for ever remain such !

I have no respect for such opinions — founded often in sheer ignorance ;
often in a base selfishness, which is ever seeking to be excused from giving
and doing ; and oftener still in a want of faith in the grace and power of the
Holy Spirit, which is as dishonorable to the Saviour as it is contrary to His
Word, and to the records of His Church. Facts in abundance are beginning
to occur, which demonstrate the Irish Papists can be reached and conquered
by the Gospel, when approached in a proper manner.

The Irish heart is a noble, affectionate, and confiding one. It is both
warm and strong in its affections, and beyond that of any of the other
branches of the Celtic race, it is steadfast and tenacious in its attachments ;
and considering what they have gone through, I do not wonder that the
Irish Romanists are attached to the Papal faith. It was the religious creed of
their ancestors, they themselves were born in it, and they are ready to die
for it. I honor them for cleaving to it with such firmness. They know no
other faith — at least, this is true of most of them.

And here let me say that I have often been astonished that the pious
Protestants of England and Scotland do no more for Ireland. What a sad
proof that they do not possess the requisite solicitude for the salvation of
their Irish fellow-subjects ! I read the reports of those admirable societies
of England, which have for their object the diffusion of the Gospel throughout
the world. I have seen it stated that this very year no less than £645,207
(or $3,122,802) were given by thirty-eight societies whose anniversaries oc-
curred in London in April and May. This is a glorious exhibition of Christian
benevolence, — one which no good man, let him live where he may, can con-
template without great gratification. But how small a portion of this vast
sum was expended in spreading the Gospel among the seven millions of Ro-
man Catholics in Ireland ! Not more than £25,000 ! I cannot, in fact, find
that more than £15,000 were designated expressly for Ireland ; and I very
much doubt whether these societies combined expended more than twice that
sum in the work of evangelizing Ireland. Tens and even hundreds of thousands
of pounds sterling were laid out in behalf of other countries — even upon distant
and unimportant coasts and islands, among people who exert no influence,
comparatively, upon the rest of the world, — whilst Ireland, almost within sight
of England, and reposing under the powerful eegis of the same government,
receives but little attention. In my humble opinion this is not wise. I can-
not but think that if the Independents, the Wesleyans, the Episcopalians, and

1850.)

CHRISTIAN UNION.

361

the Presbyterians of England, Wales, and Scotland, had prosecuted the good
work in Ireland in the true way — apart from all political questions, and with
a spirit which can overlook in a good degree the boundaries of an unscriptural
sectarianism, and with a becoming confidence in the Irish, that beautiful island
would this day be in a very different moral condition from what it is. What
a noble field the Independents and Wesleyans, especially, who have professed
to have no fellowship with the alliance of Church and State, have had in Ire-
land for the propagation of the simple Gospel, disengaged from all questions
which might create prejudice and impede its reception ! But they have
accomplished little comparatively. Surely there has been something wrong
here.

I have sometimes thought our English brethren have not that respect for
the Irish which Christianity demands in behalf of humanity. There has been
even among Christians too much, as it seems to me, of that disposition to
look upon them with contempt, which prevails so much among certain classes
of irreligious and proud men, who can see nothing good in anybody or any-
thing outside of England. The indulgence of this feeling is as unwise and
unpatriotic as it is unchristian. The Irish are a part, a very important part,
of the great British nation; and their welfare, in every sense, is intimately
connected with the glory and prosperity of the entire British realm.

It seems to me, too, that in attempting to do good in Ireland, English
societies are disposed to commit the same blunder which some of them have
done in other parts of the world — namely, to undertake in London to manage
everything, instead of helping the Christians on the ground, who must be a
great deal more capable of selecting the laborers, and directing their move-
ments, than those can be who are at a distance, and but imperfectly acquainted
with the character and feelings of the people to be benefitted.

But enough of this. If I have said too much on this point, I beg you to
pardon me, and ascribe the interest I feel in " dear old Ireland " to the cir-
cumstance of my being the grandson of an Irish emigrant.

But as to the conversion of Irish Roman Catholics, I think that the suc-
cess which has attended judicious and persevering efforts in Ireland within
the last few years, abundantly proves that it is quite practicable. And most
certainly, experience has demonstrated in my country, that it is no impossible
thing to bring Irish Roman Catholics to the knowledge of the true Gospel.
Our Protestants are beginning to be a little interested, and to have a little
faith in regard to this subject, and we see already the blessed results.

It is only within a very few years that any distinct and systematic efforts
began to be made on behalf of this class of our fellow-citizens. Our Ame-
rican and Foreign Christian Union is the only society in these United States
whose great, exclusive object is to labor for the salvation of Romanists — espe-
cially those of a foreign origin. This Society has now between thirty and
forty Irish, German, French, Portuguese, Spanish, and Italian missionaries

362

AMERICAN AND FOREIGN

( August,

laboring among the three millions of Roman Catholics among us, many of
whom have come within the last few years from Europe. The success of
these missionaries is in the highest degree encouraging. Many of them are
converted Romanists themselves, and all but one are foreigners ! I hope that
we may soon have a hundred such laborers among us. We need twice that
number at this moment.

It is the testimony of all these missionaries, and of none more decidedly
than those who labor among the Irish, that the Roman Catholics who come
to this country soon become more accessible to Protestant influence and
effort than the Romanists in Europe. This I can readily believe. There are
a thousand influences at work here which are calculated to detach Papists
from the faith in which they were born — especially the young people. The
older people will, for the most part, adhere to the faith in which they were
born and brought up, unless made to hear the Gospel by some extraordinary
means. But many of their childeen will turn their backs upon the Church of
their fathers, and become infidels, unless the Gospel reaches them. That
their children will become Protestants in great numbers, I have no doubt.

As to doing good to Irish Roman Catholics — indeed, to all Roman Catho-
lics— one simple rule is of the greatest moment for all Protestants who have
anything to do with them. It is to treat them with kindness in all the social
intercourse and business transactions of life. This must be done in order to
secure their respect and confidence. We must so treat them as to make them
believe and know that we can be their friends — their best friends — and still be
Protestants. When that point has been gained, we may begin to labor
directly for their salvation — not by controversy, but by a simple and kind
presentation of the Gospel in all its fulness and freeness to their minds, from
time to time, as we may have proper occasion. This is the course for every
Protestant to pursue towards Roman Catholics with whom he has anything to
do. Nor can it be pursued from year to year without laying deep the founda-
tion for good results.

On this point I should like to say much more, if the limits of this letter
would allow. No tongue can tell the good which the Protestants of Great
Britain and America might do, if they understood how, to the poor Irish Ro-
man Catholics whom God is placing under their influence. But I must close
this long letter. Yours, as ever,

R. Baird.

First and Last Thoughts. — It has been usual for Christians to suppose
that their first thoughts in the morning, and their last at night, should be
directed to their Creator, Preserver, and Saviour. Bishop Hughes' Journal,
in the true spirit of Anti-Christ, has recommended an opposite practice. It
says : " At waking, and at going to sleep, the first and the last breath should
be filled with 'Ave Maria V. " That is, an address or prayer to the Virgin Mary !

1850.)

CHRISTIAN UNION.

363

Brief Sketches of the Religious Denominations in the United States.

No. V.

The Methodist Episcopal Church.

Of the five great branches of the one true Church of Christ in these
United States, the Methodist Episcopal Church was the last to arise in the
order of time. In the year 1766 a few of Mr. Wesley's followers, who had
emigrated from Ireland, commenced assembling together in the city of New-
York, nearly thirty years after that celebrated preacher of righteousness who,
with Whitfield, had been raised up by the Head of the Church to revive true
religion in the decayed churches of England and America, had begun his la-
bors. Two years later, a place of worship was erected, where the Methodist
Episcopal Church in John-street now stands, for the ministry of a Mr. Em-
bury. About the same time another company of Irish emigrants commenced
a similar work in Frederick county, in Maryland.

In the year 1769 Mr. Wesley sent over Messrs. Boardman and Pillmore,
who labored — the one in New- York, the other in Philadelphia — to water the
plant of Methodism, which had just commenced to take root in America.
These Missionaries, and a Captain Webb, of the British army, did much to
extend the good work in the southern as well as the middle States.

In the year 1771 Mr. Wesley sent over from England Messrs. Asbury
and Wright ; the former of whom may be called the father of the Methodist
Episcopal Church in these United States. He lived many years, and his life
was emphatically a missionary one. From this time the number of the follow-
ers of Mr. Wesley increased rapidly in this country. In the year 1773 there
were ten preachers, and nearly twelve hundred members in society. In the
year 1775, at the commencement of the Revolution, there were more than
three thousand members.

The Revolution was very injurious, for a time, to the interests of Method-
ism in this country. All the ministers of English birth returned to the Mo-
ther Country, excepting Mr. Asbury ; and for a time he could not be active.
Yet the work went on through the labors of the native laborers. In 1781
there were fifty-four preachers, and 10,539 members. Three years later
there were eighty-three preachers, and 14,986 members. In that year
(1784) the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United Sates was organized.
A conference of all the ministers, held in Baltimore during the month of De-
cember, chose Dr. Coke, (whom Mr. Wesley had just sent over as a superin-
tendent,) and Mr. Asbury, as bishops of the Church, which they formally
organized.

Sixty-six years have now passed away, and this Church has spread over
all the land; its "circuits" and "stations" have caused the Gospel to be
carried into almost every district and large village of our entire country. In

364

AMERICAN AND FOREIGN

( August,

1844 there were 38 general conferences, 4,828 ministers, and 1,139,5 87
members. In that year the subject of slavery occasioned a division of this
great body into two branches — " The Methodist Episcopal Church," and
" The Methodist Episcopal, South." The number of ministers in the two
bodies must now exceed 5,000, and the members 1,200,000.

The Methodist Episcopal Church is distinguished for zeal and discipline.
Its whole economy is a most wonderful piece of well-adjusted machinery,
each portion of which has its appropriate place and function.

1. A Society is an association of all the members of the Church who
statedly worship in the same place.

2. A Probationer is one who has not yet been received as a regular mem-
ber of the Church, but is under instruction preparatory to becoming such.
The period of probation is usually six months.

3. The Class consists of about twenty persons, who meet for mutual edi-
fication once a week. One of their number is appointed by the pastor to
preside, and is called the Class-leader. He receives the voluntary contribu-
tions of the members of the class.

4. Stewards are appointed to manage the financial affairs of each circuit
and station.

5. A Leader's Meeting consists of all the Class-leaders and Stewards of
a society or station, together with the pastor. Their meetings are held for
the purpose of reporting to the minister the spiritual condition of each Class,
and for the paying over to Stewards class collections.

6. Trustees hold the property of the Society according to the civil laws
which prevail in the several States.

7. Exhorters are persons licensed by a Quarterly Meeting Conference to
hold meetings for prayer and exhortation.

8. Local Preachers are persons licensed in the same manner to preach
the Gospel. They are commonly engaged in secular employments ; but hold
meetings in the absence of the pastor.

9. Deacons are persons who are partially admitted to the sacred office —
they may preach, but not administer the Sacraments.

10. A Ruling Elder has the oversight of several "circuits" and "sta-
tions" which compose his district. He makes the tour of his district once in
three months, to preach, to administer the Sacraments, to hold Quarterly
Conferences, and to see that all parts of discipline are rightly administered.

It. Bishops are General Superintendents, and are chosen by the General
Conference. They travel extensively, preside at the Annual Conferences, or-
dain such persons as are recommended by the Annual Conferences, and su-
perintend the general interests of the Church.

12. A Circuit is composed of several societies, united under the same
pastor, or pastors. When a single society forms a distinct pastoral charge, it
is called a Station.

1850.)

CHRISTIAN UNION.

365

13. A Quarterly Meeting Conference is composed of all the travelling and
local preachers, exhorters, stewards, and class-leaders of a circuit or station ;
and the presiding Elder is ex-officio president. This body has much power.
Here exhorters and local preachers are licensed ; and candidates for the tra-
velling ministry examined, and recommendations from this body are neces-
sary for those who seek admission into the Annual Conference. This body is a
court of appeals also in a multitude of cases.

14. Annual Conferences are composed of all the travelling preachers in a
given district of country designated by the General Conference. They have
a general supervision over the preachers, and the interests of religion, within
their jurisdiction.

15. The General Conference is a representative body, composed of dele-
gates chosen by the Annual Conferences. It meets once in four years, and is
the great legislative and judical Assembly of the Church, and has vast in-
fluence over all its affairs.

The early attempts of this body in behalf of education were discouraging.
The first college which it founded, near Baltimore, in the year 1784, was
burned. A similar calamity befel a second institution in Baltimore. It was
not until 1820 that the good work was again taken up with energy ; and
great success has attended the efforts which have been made, as the reader
will perceive from the following list of colleges now in successful operation,
which are directly or indirectly owned and governed by it :

Wesleyan University, at Middletown, Connecticut.
Dickinson College, at Carlile, Pennsylvania.
Alleghany College, at Meadville, Pennsylvania.
Augusta College, at Augusta, Kentucky.
Ohio Wesley an University, at Delaware, Ohio.
Indiana Asbury University, at Greencastle, Indiana.
McKendree College, at Lebanon, Illinois.
Iowa City College, at Iowa City, Iowa.
Randolph Macon College, at Boydtown, Virginia.
Emory and Henry College, near Abingdon, Virginia.
Transylvania University, at Lexington, Kentucky,
Emory College, at Oxford, Georgia.
Lagrange College, at Lagrange, Alabama.
Centenary, College, at Jackson, Louisiana.
St. Charles College, at St. Charles, Missouri.
Oregon College, at Oregon City, Oregon.

A Theological Seminary has of late years been opened, with three profes-
sors, and encouraging prospects, at Concord, New Hampshire.

The efforts of this denomination in behalf of Sabbath schools have been
eminently successful ; and its publications in this department, in the shape of
books and journals, are quite numerous.

Its missionary operations at home, especially among the colored popula-

366

AMERICAN AND FOREIGN

(August,

tion, as well as the Germans, are very extensive and very important. Whilst
abroad — in Liberia, China, South America, Germany, and among the Indians
— it has a considerable number of laborers ; and there is a prospect of a great
increase of effort in this direction. In the year 1845 the amount raised for
missions, domestic and foreign, was $121,535. There has been a large in-
crease of interest since. The Methodist Episcopal Church (North) proposes
to raise this year (1850) $150,000, of which $50,000 for the foreign work,
and $100,000 for the home field.

The " Book Concern " of this body, in New- York, is a vast and most va-
luable establishment, at which a great number of books are published. It has
a branch at Cincinnati. The portion of the Church South is creating such
establishments.

The following periodicals are under the sanction of the proper authorities
of this body, the combined issues of which are immense :

Names.

Time.

Place of Publication.

Christian Advocate and Journal,

Weekly, .

New- York City.

Western Christian Advocate,

Ditto,

Cincinnati, Ohio.

Pittsburgh Christian Advocate,

Ditto,

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Richmond Christian Advocate,

Ditto,

Richmond, Virginia.

Southern Christian Advocate,

Ditto,

Charleston, South Carolina.

Nashville Christian Advocate,

Ditto,

Nashville, Tennessee.

Northern Christian Advocate,

Ditto,

Auburn, New-York.

Zion's Herald and Wesleyan Journal,

Ditto,

Boston, Massachusetts.

Christian Apologist, (Gorman)

Ditto,

Cincinnati, Ohio

Methodist Quarterly Review,

Quarterly,

New- York City.

Ladies' Repository,

Monthly,

Cincinnati, Ohio.

Sunday School Advocate, .

Half-monthly,

New-York City.

Missionary Advocate,

Monthly,

Ditto.

The aggregate circulation of these various periodicals far exceeds a quar-
ter of a million.* The property of the "Book Concern" in New- York is
estimated at more than $500,000.

No religious denomination has increased more rapidly in the United
States than the one of which we have been speaking. None has done so
much to cause the Truth to penetrate into all parts — even the most retired —
of our country. And it has been emphatically its glory that it has preached
the Gospel to the poor. But it has made great numbers of those whom it
found poor, not only " rich in faith," but also literally rich in this world's goods,
by giving them those habits of industry, sobriety, and economy, which inva-
riably lead, with God's blessing, to the acquisition of wealth.

In bringing this sketch to a conclusion, we do not hesitate to say that no
denomination in this land has advanced in every way more remarkably than

* Besides the periodicals enumerated above, there are several others carried on by in-
dividual enterprise, that advocate the doctrines and interests of this body.

1850.)

CHRISTIAN UNION.

367

the Methodist Episcopal Church ; and its prospects are eminently cheering. It
possesses many very talented and eloquent preachers ; and as its demands for
a well educated ministry increase with the increase of the wealth and intelli-
gence of its members, its numerous colleges promise fully to meet those
demands.

Resolution of the Associate Reformed Synod in behalf of the Society.

At the late meeting of this body at Pittsburg, the following resolution
was offered by Drs. Pressly and Claybaugh.

" Resolved, That Synod have heard with much interest the address of
the Rev. Samuel Day, Agent of the American and Foreign Christian Union,
whose object is the spread of the Gospel among Papal nations at home and
abroad, and that we affectionately commend him, and the cause which he
advocates, to the sympathy and the prayers of all the people under our care;
and request all who may feel disposed to aid this cause, to forward their con-
tributions to the Treasurer of Synod.

Christendom Abroad. No. V.

CONCLUDING RE3IARKS ON THE SCANDINAVIAN COUNTRIES.

Before we quit the Scandinavian nations to speak of those of Teutonic
origin, it may be well to say a few words more respecting the state of reli-
gion in the regions where Odin and Thor were once worshipped.

We have spoken with some minuteness respecting the present religious
state of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark, in the order in which they
are here mentioned. It may interest our readers to have before them a tabu-
lar view of the population, bishops, ministers of the Gospel, universities, and
students of those countries. The following was made in 1846, when the
writer visited those countries the last time, and is sufficiently accurate for our
purposes. We must keep in mind, that things do not change in those coun-
tries as rapidly as with us. Four or five years make scarcely any difference
in the stereotyped condition of countries where the population increases so
slowly, and where an intimate union of church and state, centuries old, scarcely
permits any increase of churches or pastors :

Population. Bishops. Pastors. Universities. Students.

Denmark,

2,250,000*

8

1,800

2

1,400

Norway,

. 1,250,000

5

400

1

600

Sweden,

3,250,000

12

2,500

2

1,800

Finland, .

. 1,600,000

2

1,100

1

500

Total,

8,350,000

27

5,800

6

4,300

* In this estimate of the population of Denmark, the colonies of that country are in-
cluded, of which Iceland and the Faroe Islands are the most important in Europe.

368

AMERICAN AND FOREIGN

(August,

It has already been stated, that these Scandinavian countries are almost
wholly Protestant. The number of Roman Catholics in the whole four is in-
significant. There are not half-a-dozen Roman Catholic churches in the King-
dom of Denmark; not one in Norway, (where neither a Jesuit nor a Jew is
allowed by the Constitution to set his foot !) One very small church in Swe-
den, (in Stockholm,) and two priests ; and no more than one small Roman
Catholic church, and one priest in Finland ! There are not, in the Scandina-
vian kingdoms, probably, ten Roman Catholic priests, or two thousand peo-
ple who adhere to the Papacy — so universally does the Protestant Faith pre-
vail in them all.

We have accounted for this state of things by showing that the monarchs
of Denmark, under whose sway Norway was at that time, and of Sweden, to
which Finland then appertained, took the lead in the Reformation of the Six-
teenth century, and they determined to rid their respective countries of the
Faith of Rome, as well as of her domination. And they did make clean work
of it ; for they left scarcely a root or a branch of Romanism in their domi-
nions. It is to be deplored, that the movement was not more spiritual than
it was ; but it certainly wrought a change which was favorable to civili-
zation, and the promotion of vital godliness. And although Formalism has so
long prevailed in those countries, yet the way is now open in all of them,
particularly in Denmark and Norway, for the spread of the pure Gospel.
There are no Protestant countries in the world, not even Scotland and New-
England, where the entire population is so universally Protestant. Would to
God that a spiritual Protestantism prevailed throughout those countries !
That day will come, however, before long. Denmark and Norway possess,
in a good degree, religious liberty. Sweden will possess this great boon in
the course of a few years. The enlightened monarch of that country told the
writer, in 1846, that he was entirely ready to go any proper length in this
matter. He said that he was deeply convinced that the intolerance which
then existed, and exists still in that country, was a disgrace to Christianity,
and as impolitic as it is unjust. That will be a happy day for Sweden when
she acquires true religious freedom ! It will open the way at once for the
commencement of a good work outside the National Church, and this will, on
the other hand, lead to a good work inside that church.

We have already remarked, that in doctrine the Scandinavian churches
are Lutheran ; whilst in government they are Episcopal. Whatever may be
the state of religion in these Scandinavian countries, the people show by their
industry, intelligence, energy, and general morality, that they are far superior
to the Papal nations of the South of Europe, (whatever Mr. Laing may say
to the contrary ;) although they have a hyperborean climate, and, with the
exception of Denmark, a hard, ungrateful, and sterile soil. No eight mil-

1850.)

CHRISTIAN UNION.

369

lions of Romanists can be found in any part of the world who are their
equals in industry, comfort, and general prosperity.

A few years ago the late Pope, Gregory XV I. sent a Vicar- Genera], a
Mr. Laurent, to Hamburg, for the purpose of trying to convert the Scandi-
navian nations back to the Papal faith. It is remarkable that he should think
of making Hamburg the base of his operations, just as Charlemagne did in his
attempts to convert the Pagans of those countries a thousand years before.
But his eminence, the Vicar-General has had very poor success. The Danish
government sent him word, soon after his arrival at Hamburg, that his ser-
vices were not needed, and would not be tolerated in the Danish dominions.
And as to Norway, Sweden, and Finland, he received no encouragement what-
ever from them. In consequence of this, he concluded that it was best to re-
nounce all idea of aggressive movement in Scandinavia, and confine his labors
to the Republic of Hamburg and its vicinity.

We have now said all that the nature of this work will permit respecting
the state and prospects of religion in the Scandinavian countries. We shall
next speak of the religious state of the Teutonic nations, and shall begin with
Germany.

Rev. E. N • Sawtell.

This excellent and beloved brother having some few weeks since resign-
ed his agency in behalf of this society; the Board of Directors, at their last
meeting unanimously ordered the following minute to be inscribed in their
journal :

" At a meeting of the Board of the American and Foreign Christian Union, on the
11th inst. the following record was ordered, viz.

" The Rev. E. N. Sawtell having communicated his resignation, as an Agent of
this Society, after several years of laborious and successful service, in behalf of the
cause which this Society aims at promoting, the Board would record its high appre-
ciation of his valuable exertions in behalf of the Society; and, in parting with him,
express their wishes for his future happiness and usefulness in the new and excellent
enterprise in which he is about to engage."

This action of the Board was due to one who has labored faithfully from
the autumn of 1843 to the 1st May, 1850, almost seven years, for the pro-
motion of the cause in which the Society is engaged. Mr. Sawtell, owing to
the circumstances of his large family, and in obedience to his duty to them,
has determined to open a Female Seminary at Cleveland, Ohio, to the super-
vision of which, as well as to preaching the Gospel in the vicinity, he will
henceforth devote his life. May the blessing of God rest upon him and his
family, and the noble work in which he is about to engage ! We part with
him with great reluctance.

370

AMERICAN AND FOREIGN

(August,

(Our <2>ron Operations— §omc fitXb.

1. Portuguese.

Our Missionary among the Portuguese seamen who visit the ports of New
Bedford, New-London, Sag Harbour, Nantucket, &c. in our whaling-ships,
reports that he finds, in the vessels which have arrived this year, many new
hands, fresh from the Cape de Verd and Western Isles, among whom it is
very important that the Scriptures and Religious Tracts should be distributed.
He finds a welcome among them which cheers his heart. They are very
ignorant of the way of life. One man, above thirty years old, when asked
who had died for his sins, replied, the Virgin Mary. Our Missionary says that
he was very much opposed to the Mexican war, but that he now sees clearly
that it is going to be overruled for the extension of Christ's kingdom, by
making thousands of Spaniards, and Mexicans, and Portuguese to hear the
Gospel in California ; and urges that measures should be speedily adopted to
send Missionaries into that new field, as well as into New Mexico, for the sake
of these people. The suggestion is timely, and important. The subject, how-
ever, has not escaped the attention of the Board, who are ready to go for-
ward as fast as they can have the means.

In a subsequent communication this same Missionary states that he has
recently visited eight whaling ports. " In these I have endeavored to
preach the unsearchable riches of Christ to seamen and landsmen. In some
of these seaports it is not uncommon to see, in the House of Prayer, persons
of six or eight different nations, such as the American, the Englishman, (in-
cluding the Irishman and the Scotchman ;) the Portuguese (white, from the
Continent, and Portuguese of dark complexion from the Azores, or Western
Isles, and the black and coloured Portuguese from the Cape de Verd Islands ;)
the Kanneka, from the Pacific Islands ; and the Creole from Cuba. Within
four years I have also met, at two different Bethels, two converted Jewish
sailors, and one converted Arab, who is an excellent scholar. In fact, nearly
two-thirds of the seamen who follow the whaling business are naturalized
American citizens, and green ones who have just landed from the islands.
What a field for doing good ! How important that these hundreds and thou-
sands of foreigners, who come to our shores, should carry home with them the
Word of God, and the knowledge of eternal life.

We are happy to state that the Rev. Dr. Mattos reached Jacksonville
safely, and has commenced his labours as pastor, among the Portuguese ex-
iles, with good encouragement. With few exceptions, chiefly aged and infirm
persons and children, they are supporting themselves by their labour. Some
further assistance will be needed by the class just named, and we are sorry

1850.)

CHRISTIAN UNION".

371

to say that our Portuguese fund is now quite exhausted. We must ask those
who have the heart to help these excellent people to come to their assistance
once more. There are some infirm persons in New- York, who have not been
able to join the colony in Illinois, that still need our support.

2. The Irish.

Extract from the Report of our Irish Missionary in Northern New- York.

"I have work enough to do where I am, and thank the Lord I am much
encouraged in my work, not only from a large attendance at our meetings,
but more especially because of the Divine Presence being manifested while
there. I now preach five times in the week. On Tuesday evening, 16th inst.
I preached from Psalm 146: 7, .' The Lord looseth the prisoners.' Here I
showed the prisoners, the prison, and the deliverer, and the terms upon which
they were delivered — faith. On the following Friday evening I preached
from Psalm 19: 7. Here I had cause for showing the necessity and the na-
ture of conversion — the instrument employed in accomplishing the work, and
the perfection of this instrument for the same. ' The laio of the Lord is per-
fect, converting the soul.' The blessed results of this perfect work, ' the tes-
timony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.' I endeavored to show
the perfection of the work, because of the perfection of its author, and its
adaptation to the wants of the soul, meeting all its demands. I then at-
tempted to show the inadequacy of man to meet the wants of a soul ; how
unsatisfactory the testimony was which he took upon him to make upon the
subject. I then appealed to all such as were present who had ever applied
to man, be he ever so well qualified, whether they * were really satisfied
with his testimony.' I then showed the cause why they were not satisfied,
because of the imperfection of the source they applied to — man ; that he
could neither satisfy the soul with his * testimony,' that our past sins were
pardoned, and thereby produce peace; nor give us power to make any im-
provement in our manner of living for the future; but that when the Lord
pardoned a sinner, it was done with 1 perfection,' with a masterly hand ;
peace was given, and peace also for the future.

" The Lord was powerfully present, and many shed tears, and my own
soul was abundantly refreshed. My reason for speaking so largely on this
subject is, that one young man, a Roman Catholic, who was present, accom-
panied me up the street after the meeting broke up. I told him if he had any
disposition to talk with me privately, to come to my lodgings — he thanked me
for the privilege, and came on Sunday last, at ten o'clock, A.M. and remained
till two o'clock, P. M. When he came, I told him if he wanted to contend to
let me know the points, &c. &c. and if he wanted instruction, to ask, <fcc. He
said he did not come to contend, for that, under the above discourse, I said

372

AMERICAN AND FOREIGN

(August,

'cursed is the man that trusteth in man,' Jer. 17 : 6 ; and that his main
prop having been taken away, he wished now to know more about the right
way. I spent four hours giving him the best instruction I could, nor did I
ever see any person more willing to be instructed. God gained the victory
for Himself, in his case, most signally. I found he could read ; I pointed out
a certain subject, suitable, and made him read, and I then explained. Near
the conclusion of our interview I led him to different marks of the false
Church ; and on his reading 1st Tim. 4, &c. he seemed quite alarmed, and ex-
claimed, saying, if God had come from heaven, and told me the marks, &c.
they could not be more plain, that it is the Church of Rome. He said he
would embrace the Protestant religion at once. On Monday I got him a
Bible ; marked those places in it which I thought suited him best. May the
Lord accompany His own Word."

An Irish Missionary who labors diligently in a city in Central New-York,
informs us that three Romanists have lately become convinced of their errors
and renounced the Papacy under his instructions.

The Board has recently stationed in Boston a very worthy Irish Mission-
ary, wTho had labored eighteen years in his native land in connection with the
Irish Evangelical Society, from which he brought very satisfactory letters to
us. He is a poor man, and has a large family, for whose welfare our Boston
friends are displaying their accustomed kindness and liberality. He has com-
menced his labors under very encouraging auspices.

The Board has, within a few days, sent two excellent young Irish brethren
to commence as Missionaries in another of the chief cities of New England,
and they have entered upon their work with good encouragement. There
are from eight to ten thousand Irish (mostly Roman Catholics, who have two
very large congregations) in that place, and it is less than thirty years since
there were only a few families there from the " Emerald Isle."

The Board has also sent an efficient Irish Missionary to Philadelphia, who
has begun his work with strong hopes of doing much good. We must have,
as soon as we can find the means, two good men to help him.

It is the intention of the Board to place efficient and experienced Mis-
sionaries (Irishmen) in every city and town in our country, where there is a con-
siderable Roman Catholic Irish population, as fast and as soon as they can
find the men and the money to support them. It will require many men and

1850.)

CHRISTIAN UNION.

373

a good deal of money — but the work must be done. And if the children of
God but come to the work with readiness and energy, it will be done. What
do our readers say to this ?

Our Irish Mission in the City of New- Fork.

The Superintendent of our Mission in this city, in a communication, in
which he apologizes for not being able, for want of time, to transcribe his
journal for the month of June, takes occasion to make some remarks respect-
ing the work among the Irish Roman Catholics in this country, which we
subjoin, and which we are sure will be read with much interest, as coming
from a man who is well conversant with the facts on which he founds his
opinions.

" I would here take the opportunity of saying that our work among the Irish is increas-
ing daily in interest. Old prejudices, in the minds of intelligent Romanists, are fast fading,
and distrust of priestly integrity and Church infallibility is rapidly increasing, so that
nothing but invincible ignorance makes them unapproachable.

" It is a lamentable fact, however, that the majority of them are becoming infidels; and
what is most remarkable is, that it is the intelligent portion of them that are most sceptica
concerning the truth of Divine Revelation ; and some go still further. They endeavor to
deny the existence of God. Indeed, there are very few of the class called learned and
intelligent Catholics in the city of New-York, or I may say any other city, who, if the
the real truth of their hearts was known, have any respect for, or belief in Bible revelation.
And such is their spiritual darkness, that if they were not afraid their temporal interests
would suffer by it, a vast majority of them would openly declare that they have no belief
in the existence of a Being of whose character they know nothing. Some of them who
bow very low at the priest's altar, in order to secure his patronage and political influence,
are found most ready to mock him behind his back.

"It is quite common to hear them say they have not been to confession since they
came to this country, be it few or many years. And some will not hesitate to tell you
they would as soon go and confess their sins to a lamp-post, with the view of being forgiven,
as to a priest ; hut they will go to mass because it is customary, and they expect to see
their friends there. Such is the true condition of those who are beginning to think for
themselves. Many of them are led, through the instrumentality of your most excellent
Society, to go to hear the Gospel preached in Protestant Evangelical churches, and some
by this means are brought into communion with the various orthodox denominations ; and
I really believe that if they could understand the truth as it is preached, nine-tenths of
them would unite themselves to some Protestant Church or other. But, unfortunately,
they do not, as a general thing, understand the bearing of Gospel preaching. They all, so
soon as they begin to doubt the truth of their own system, go to hear what the Protestants
have got to say, but it is only in rare cases that they are capable of appreciating this simple
truth : " Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." They need a great
deal of teaching, suited to their peculiar wants, before they are prepared to enter the broad
ocean of Gospel truth.

" With one suggestion more I close. It is that you have not laborers enough for the
work to be done. There ought to be at least one laborer in each ward of this city, and so on
in every city of the whole United States. It cannot be supposed that two or three men

374

AMERICAN AND FOREIGN

(August,

can meet the wants of between eighty and one hundred thousand Irish Roman Catholics
in the city of New-York. There ought by right, to be a convert to every thousand, labor-
ing in this city, and in the same ratio in all other cities of the Union. You might as well,
comparatively speaking, send blind men to shoot crows, as to send Protestants, that is, men
who are educated such, to convert Papists. A Protestant and Papist going to argue upon
religion, might with much propriety be compared to two blind men going to fight a duel,
who, if they try to aim ever so correctly, cannot see each other's position, and therefore
cannot, except accidentally, hit each other.

u It is true that Protestants know the truth of Revelation, and both the history and the
external creeds of Romanism, but of its internal and effectual operations they know no
more than the Papists know of Protestant truth, or of the history and external features of
that system which degrades them. There are men at hand for you, who with a very little
training will, I trust, become useful laborers in the field, which is truly ripe for harvest.
The Lord is furnishing the men ; will not his people, then, furnish the means to send them
forth and sustain them? May the Lord open the eyes of his own people, and show them
their duty toward this unfortunate race, is the earnest and constant prayer of your un-
worthy servant."
July 10, 1850.

An Important Measure—An Intelligence Office for Irish Domestics,

In our next number it is our intention to speak fully respecting a most
important project — that of opening an office for the registration of Irish ser-
vants and other laborers in the city of New-York, to be kept by an intelligent
and pious Protestant, recently from Ireland. This gentleman is well acquaint-
with the peculiar character of his countrymen and countrywomen, and enter-
ing upon this work with a sincere desire to promote their highest spiritual, as
well as temporal interests, we have no doubt that he will, with the blessing of
God, do great good to both Protestants and Romanists. We understand that
the proposed office will be opened in the early autumn. A house has been
taken, and the necessary arrangements are now making. We shall give our
views respecting this movement, and the true mode of treating Roman Catho-
lic domestics in our next.

German Missions.

One of our German Missionaries in the state of New- York, mentions in a
recent report that he has received into the Church within less than a year
forty persons, and that on the Sabbath immediately preceding the date of his
letter, he had received three persons who had abandoned Rome !

Our German laborers at several other points are much encouraged in their

The Confessional. — The Bristol Times states that a young lady who
recently seceded to the Church of Rome, has returned to the Church of her
baptism, in consequence of the disgust she felt at the questions put to her at
confession. But, alas, how many are disgusted and- afterwards ruined by the
devices of that same confessional, the devil's trap for souls.

1850.)

CHRISTIAN UNION.

375

JForngn Jklir.

Italy and the Italians.

It is a long time since we have read anything so cheering as the following
letter, written by Signor Ferretti, an Italian gentleman in London, editor of
the Eco di Savonarola, and addressed to Signor Torricelli, an ex-Capuchin
monk of Genoa, now in New-York. What a view it gives us of the good
work which is going on secretly in Italy, in the hearts of many persons. The
names of places, and in some cases of men, prudence requires us to suppress.
Who will not pray for and aid the work of God in Italy ? We are happy to
state that our Board, at its last meeting, voted to send one thousand dollars
to that country as soon as we can obtain money, (and that will not be long,
we trust,) to publish and circulate tracts, &c in the Italian language.

" My dearest Sir and Friend, — I cannot express to you in words how great was the
joy of ray heart with which I received your welcome letter of April 12th. If I have not
before returned an answer, do not attribute it to anything but the feeble health I have for
some time suffered. Your letter has been read by good brethren who are in London ; and
they have all given thanks to God, our Father, for what He has done to you, and for what
He is doing by your means. I hope you will pardon the liberty I have taken of publishing,
with the advice of some friends, your letter in the Eco di Savonarola. I have done it for
two reasons : First, to announce to the nascent Italian Church the precious acquisition of
a new brother in Christ ; and second, because your example will serve to excite many
timid persons, who, from indecision or worldly motives, dare not openly burst the bonds of
Rome, and who still groan under the remorse of conscience.

" Yesterday I received letters from and , [two cities in Italy.] Among

other things, they say that the day is not distant when the number of Reformed Chris-
tians will be so great, that the governments will be obliged to tolerate them. In , Sig-
nor continues to collect about fifty Italians every Sabbath, converted to the Gospel, to

read the holy Word of God, to sing hymns in the praise of the Saviour, and to raise fervent
prayers to the throne of grace. Their worship is simple — like that of the primitive Chris-
tians. In two other cities meetings are held, of the same nature. In oue of them, ten Bi-
bles a day have been sold, on an average, ever since the first of January, in spite of the
rigors of the police and the clergy. The clandestine press puts in circulation a great num-
ber of religious tracts, by which the minds of the people are enlightened from day to day ;
and the Gospel will not long delay to triumph in our dearest country.

" Mr. Desanctis, ex-parish priest of Rome, is at Geneva, where he preaches the Word
of God to about two hundred Italians, who have chosen him for their pastor. The ex-Ca-
puchin, Di Menna, labors with a blessing in a city near Nice. Signor Bauschi, another ex-
Capuchin, preaches in , a town in the north of Italy. The ex-canon Mapei, a man

of great talents, lately set off with his wife and son for the same country. He is one of the
first poets of our day. In we have , to whom we shall be indebted for an ex-
cellent Italian Concordance.

" The British Islands, and especially London, afford an asylum to Italian exiles of all con-
ditions. Mazzini is also among us. Some of them hear with pleasure the good news of salva-
tion in Jesus ; but too many, unhappily, turn into ridicule every idea of religion. To them,
Christianity, Catholicism, and Protestantism, are nearly synonymous words. We desire to
do them some good ; but we have no other means but to present to them the Gospel, in its

376

AMERICAN AND FOREIGN

(August,

purity and simplicity, as it is revealed in the Holy Scriptures. Not a few ex-priests and ex-
friars live in complete incredulity, and scandalize both Italians and Englishmen. Two of
them, expecting to better their condition, declared themselves Protestants, and were employed
by a society to visit the Italians from house to house. What they received was not indeed
sufficient to support a bishop, but was enough to enable them to live honestly, especially as
they were single men; and, in case of their marrying, they would have had more. But,
notwithstanding this — would you believe it ? — these two, not finding among the Protestants
what they expected, and not being able to lead a moral life, because they had not been rege-
nerated by the grace of God, preferred the onions of Egypt to the manna of the desert,
and returned to the pretended Mother Church, who feeds the stomachs of her dear children,
and allows them to indulge in every excess, even in blasphemy against God, while they are
willing to call her by the name of mother."

[The writer of this letter speaks of a general reformed Italian Church, which must
be established when circumstances shall favor ; and says that it will give the last blow to the
system of Rome.]

" I send you some hymns and psalms, for the use of the Christians of Italy, and other
little tracts, which you may distribute among our brethren in exile. * * * Why might
not a religious Italian newspaper be published in America? While so many persons use
the Press against the Gospel, may not we employ it in the opposite way ?

" Dr. Achilli, as you must know, is now in London, and has opened a place for the
preaching of the Gospel in Italian. The place had been closed in consquence of the Revo-
lution of 1848 ; for it happened to us as to the Christians of Jerusalem — all were dispersed
abroad.

" I have written these few lines to you without ceremony, because I regard you already
not only as a brother in Christ, but as a friend. Write to me often, and I will not fail
to reply. The Lord be with you, now and for ever! Receive the salutations of my fami-
ly, and a Christian embrace from Your brother and friend,

" Salvatore Ferretti."

Italian Newspaper in New- York.

Signor Ferretti speaks, in the preceding letter, of the importance of hav-
ing a religious Italian newspaper published in this city. We are happy to
say that an excellent paper, published weekly, has been commenced, of
which Signor Torricelli is the editor, to be aided by several able Italians in
this country. The title of this paper is, L'Esule Italiano. It is beautifully
gotten up, and will be conducted with much ability. And whilst not avow-
edly a religious paper, it will advocate and propagate the " truth as it is in
Jesus." It will also vindicate the Italian patriots against the Romish and
semi-Romish journals of our country. And it will be the staunch advocate
of religious liberty.

It is of vast importance that this paper should be well supported. It is
not printed solely nor chiefly for the benefit of the numerous Italians in this
country, but also for Italy. As to the ways of introducing it into Italy —
they exist — but we will say nothing about them. Are there not many among
our readers who will be pleased to send to Signor Torricelli, or to us, some

1850.)

CHRISTIAN UNION.

377

aid to this enterprise ? We can assure them that aid is very much needed to
make the paper accomplish all that it might for the instruction of the Italians
in the great questions of religious liberty, the nature of a true Christianity
and the way of life.

Mission at Panama.

"We have great pleasure in announcing that the Board of Directors, at
their last meeting, resolved to sustain, in connection with the American Sea-
man's Friend's Society, a Missionary at Panama, for the benefit of the Ame-
rican residents, American Seamen, and the passers through, who are on then-
way to or from California, Oregon, and the Islands in the Pacific. The
Missionary will also have it in his power to do much for the promotion of
the Gospel among the native population, by the distribution of the Bible and
religious tracts. The Committees of the two Societies are now inquiring for
a suitable man. It is desirable that he should be a young man. It gives
us pleasure to state that Messrs. Howard & Sons have generously agreed to
give our Missionary his passage to Chagres in one of their splendid steam-
ships. May the Saviour himself send to us the man whom he would have
us send to this important post !

Stxvcniit Department*

COAXING.

" Charles. What a fine day for fishing, Lewis !

"Lewis. Rare, man! I have just been looking at the clouds floating over the
sunshine ; how it will cheat the simpleton trouts !

" Charles. I dare say they would almost nibble at flies of your dressing to-day

" Lewis. Well, Charley, if I can't dress flies so well as you, I've got some famous
ones from Wilson's, and we'll see what the trouts will say to them. There, I've
hooked a two-pounder at least — see how I play him ! (Suiting the action to the
word.) Here he comes — nearer and nearer — and there he lies on the bank !

" Mr. L. (Looking up from his book — sighing, repeats,)

" 1 And, weltering, dyes the primrose with his blood.' "

" Catherine. Poor trout ! and poor primrose !

"Mrs. L. Poor sport, obtained at the expense of inflicting pain and death!

" Charles. But, mother, we must kill them before we eat them, like papa's story
of the butcher, who said, ' Why, sir, you would not eat him alive V to the gentleman
who pitied the lamb.

" Mrs. L. You are a very practical man, Charles \ but just ask papa if he would
like to make you a butcher.

" Mr. L. The garden of Eden had no need of such people. Butchers are a hum-
bling necessity.

378

AMERICAN AND FOREIGN

(August,

" George. Mamma, please let me go to fish with the big boys to-day.

■ Mrs. L. No, dear, you can't go ; you remember you could not keep pace with
them, and they left you, and you ran through the burn, in your haste, with stockings
and shoes on, too.

" George. Oh ! but mamma, dear, you know I'll keep up with them to-day.
" Mrs L. You are not able, my child.

" George. Do, dearest mothery, now; do just let me, and I'll not wade with stock-
ings and shoes on.

" Mrs. L. Ah ! Georgey, boy, don't coax ; ' A man that flattereth his neighbor
spreadeth a net for his feet.' If it were right, I should be most happy to let you go.

" George. But, you see, Charley would carry me a bit on his back.

" Lewis. I bar carrying baggage. We are going to run all the way to the rivei
and fly all the way back, for we are sure to be too late.

"Mrs. L. Brighten up, Georgey; you will go and walk with your sisters and me;
and I have a nice story to tell you about coaxing.

The racket of preparing flies, rods, and fishing-baskets being over, and the boys
off in high spirits, George looked sorrowfully after them.

" Cath. Come along, Georgey, we have things to prepare too. Get a basket for
pebbles and primroses ; we are going to the primrose brae.

" George. But mamma promised to go too, and tell me a story on the way.

" Mrs. L. Here I am. Who is ready ?

" George. Now, mamma, the story.

" Mrs. L. Tell me first what is the meaning of coaxing. You know very well
how to do it; but can you explain it?

" Henry. It is kissing mother to make her give us something.

" Catherine. It is Jieetching somebody.

" George. It is trying to persuade one against their will.

" Mrs. L. Or, perhaps, against their better judgment. My will would have been
to make you happy by having you go with the big boys to-day, but my judgment could
not approve it.

" Catherine. Lewie's papa says, 'he is utterly coaxable;' and so Lewie gets what
ever he likes.

" Mrs. It. I dare say he is glad of that ; but it has not done him good, though he
likes it.

" Henry. Is the story about coaxing ?

" Mrs. L. I once knew a lady who was anxious to have her children good and hap-
py ; but she had not resolution to refuse what they asked, even when she knew it was
not prudent to grant it ; and that led them soon to find out the way to coax her, so
that, instead of doing what she told them to do, they immediately considered what way
of their own they would like better, and began to coax her, to allow them to do their
way and not hers.

" Catherine. 'I'll try,' had not been the word in her family.

" Mrs. L. On the birth-day of her oldest boy, he wanted to have some fun : so he
thought he would like one of his papa's pistols, to go out and shoot small birds.

" George. Now, mamma, there must be pleasure in "killing things ; some fish and
some shoot.

" Mrs. L. Is it in the killing, or in the skill exercised in doing it?

1850.)

CHRISTIAN UNION.

319

" George. I don' know ; but I see boys throw stones at sparrows ; and I remem-
ber when the flies buzzed up and down in the nursery window, I used to be provoked
at the hurry they were in about doing nothing, and went to quiet them with my
fingers.

" Mrs. L. Was that kind and right ? Had they not as much right to their share
of the sunshine as you had to yours ?

" George. Oh, I never thought flies had a right. But you saw me one day, and
caught my hand and pinched my fingers till I squealed, and then I left off.

" Mrs. L. That was a practical lesson on the pleasure the flies had in being
quieted, as you call it.

" Henry. What did the boy do on his birth-day ? Did he coax till he got the
pistol ?

" Catherine. I hope not ; for if he did, he surely shot something.
" Mrs. L. He did, indeed, coax till his mother could refuse him no longer, for, he
said, she should not refuse a request on his birth-day.
" George. And what happened ?

" Mrs. L. He went out to shoot ; and the younger ones went after him, because
they coaxed also ; and the pistol went off by the cuff of his jacket catching the trigger,
and it broke his little brother's arm. They are both men now. I have seen the one
who had the pistol point to his dear brother's stiff elbow with great sorrow, and say,
• He has never had the right use of his arm since I shot him.'

" Catherine. Did the mother leave off being ' utterly coaxable ' after that ?

" Mrs. L. I hope so, dear. A loving mother lilies to indulge her children in all
reasonable and sensible ways ; but if a thing is not right now, it will not become
right in ten minutes more, and an hour's coaxing will not alter it.

"Primroses and pebbles were gathered; a pleasant chat and walk enjoyed; and
the party were enjoying their food, for which they were very hungry, when a very
heavy shower fell. The poor fishermen returned drenched and dripping, their shoes
full of mud and their baskets very poorly supplied with fish ; and while helping to
dry and comfort them, George thought it as well for him that his mother had not
yielded to his coaxing."

Children of the Manse.

HU 0 c til an t o tt 0.

Prayer of Mary Queen of Scots,

The following is an attempt to render into English, as nearly as possible, the
prayer of Mary Queen of Scots the night before her execution :

O Jesus, my God, I have trusted in thee ;
O precious Redeemer, my spirit set free !
In prison and anguish
And chains as I languish,

I'm longing for thee ;
In tears and with sighing,
A suppliant lying,

I adore thee, implore thee
My spirit to free.

Presbyterian.

O domine Deus, speravi in te ;
O care mi Jesu, nunc libera me !
In dura catena,
In misera poena,
Desidero te ;
Languendo, gemendo,
Et genuflecteudo,
Adoro, imploro,
Ut liberes me !

380

AMERICAN AND FOREIGN

(August,

The Oldest Christian Hymn.

In Paed. Lib. III. of Clement, of Alexandria, is given (in Greek) the most an-
cient hymn of the Primitive Church. It is then, (one hundred and fifty years after the
apostles,) asserted to be of much earlier origin. It may have been sung by the " be-
loved disciple " before he ascended to his reward. The following version will give
some imperfect idea of its spirit.

Shepherd of tender youth !
Guiding, in love and truth
Through devious ways ;
Christ, our triumphant King !
We come thy name to sing,
And here our children bring,
To shout thy praise.

Thou art wisdom's High Priest !
Thou hast prepared the feast

Of holy love ;
And in our mortal pain,
None calls on thee in vain,
Help thou dost not disdain,

Help from above.

So now, and till we die,
Sound we thy praises high,

And joyful sing.
Infants, and the glad throng,
Who to thy church belong,
Unite and swell the song,

To Christ our King.

Thou art our holy Lord !
The all-subduing word !

Healer of strife !
Thou didst thyself abase,
That from sin's deep disgrace,
Thou mightest save our race,
And give us life !

Ever, be thus our guide !
Our Shepherd and our pride,

Our staff and song !
Jesus ! thou Christ of God !
By thy perennial word,
Lead us where thou hast trod,
Make our faith strong.

Notices of Books.

Ancient Geography and History. Mediaeval Geography and History. By W.
Liitz. D. Appleton & Co. — As text-books for study and reference, these volumes will be
found valuable assistants to the student. They are translated from the German of Wilhelm
Putz, principal tutor at the gymnasium of Diiren ; and are remarkable for the condensed yet
accurate arrangement of the historical facts embraced in them.

Morton Montagu, or a Young Christian's Choice, is the title of a pleasing narrative,
founded on facts in the early history of a Moravian clergyman. Whatever relates to the
pious labors of those devoted men, the early missionaries of the United Brethren, is sure to
excite and deserve the interest of the Christian reader. Published by the same.

Montaigne, the Endless Study, &c, by Vinet. M. W. Dodd. — The religious world
have reason for much congratulation in the fact that the invaluable writings of Alexander
Vinet are becoming so extensively known and appreciated. To Mr. Turnbull we are in-
debted for this as well as a former translation from his works. Mr. Dodd has issued it in
the most elegant style. We trust that its ready sale will encourage both translator and
publisher to continue the series of Vinet's essays.

The Faithful Steward, by Rev. S. D. Clark. — Mr. Dodd also publishes, in a neat
form, the Prize Essay with the above title, on the important topic of Systematic Benefi-
cence. It is a valuable treatise, and deserves a wide circulation throughout our churches.

1850.)

CHRISTIAN UNION.

381

t)tnx) of JJablic Affair*.

The Monthly Chronicle of our present number is truly a sad one. On the
9th ultimo, at half-past ten o'clock at night, Zachary Taylor, the beloved
and honored President of these United States, was called to lay down his
honors at the command of death, and descend to the tomb ! After a sickness
of a few days, and most unexpectedly to the nation, he was taken away. The
news travelled with the speed of lightning to the remotest parts of our vast
country, and every where spread dismay and distress. No one, save his phy-
sicians and his immediate family, had any serious apprehensions of his death
thirty hours before his decease. Indeed hope was not relinquished even ten
hours before that event. The nation has been called to mourn. God has come
near and laid His hand upon its Chief Magistrate and taken him away ! The
stroke has been deeply felt. May it indeed be sanctified to our legislators, our
rulers of all classes, and to the entire population. The event happened in the
midst of more than usual display of exacerbation of feeling in Congress, grow-
ing out of the Galphin case. At that critical moment, when party spirit was
showing a disposition to assail even his character which had never before been
attacked from any respectable source. He was suddenly removed from the
scene of excitement and of anxiety. " I have endeavored to do my duty,"
was one of the last sentences which he uttered. Of this no one, probably, in
this whole land entertains a doubt. With the exception of Washington, no
man has been called to preside over this nation in whose integrity and patriot-
ism the people have had more heartfelt confidence than in those of Zachary
Taylor.

But he has been taken away from us, in a moment, at a most critical epoch
in our affairs. Our Heavenly Father would seem to teach us, by this event,
to rely only on Himself ! 0 that the nation felt this, and would go to God,
and tell Him all their anxieties and troubles, and beseech Him to take the con-
duct of our affairs into His own hands. Let us hope that very many among
us will do so, and that this great event will be overruled to the promotion of
our best interests. Who knows but that the death of our beloved Taylor is
to be the means of securing a favorable settlement of the question which has
so much agitated Congress and the nation, for the last six or eight months.

It is certainly a matter of thankfulness that his successor is so excellent
and capable a man. At the moment when we are writing these few sentences,
the nation is in anxious expectation in regard to the Cabinet appointments
which President Fillmore must make. May they be such as will inspire the
nation with confidence in the rectitude, wisdom and ability of his administra-
tion. He certainly has the prayers of the good for the success of his career as
President, in the very trying circumstances in which he is placed. What the
effect of the death of President Taylor will be on our affairs as a nation, time
only can show.

382

AMERICAN AND FOREIGN

(August,

It is settled that the sentence of Dr. Webster will not be commuted. This
indeed, could hardly have been expected after the confessions which the
wretched man has made. How true it is that The wages of sin is death ! The
ways of transgressors, how hard they are !

In many parts of our country the Cholera seems to be returning, but its
ravages are not severe.

The harvest is nearly over; in almost all parts of the country it has been
unusually abundant — a fact which calls for devout thanksgiving.

From Europe come notes of distress, occasioned by death's doings. Eng-
land has lost her Sir Robert Peel — cut down by a sudden and violent death,
in the maturity and vigor of life. She has never had an abler Statesman. He
possessed great talent for business, vast general knowledge, wonderful self-
command, a fine person, vigorous health, and distinguished powers of public
speaking. He sustained the reputation of being a strictly moral man, in gene-
ral a respectable observer of the Sabbath, and an exemplary head of a family.
His manners were cold and reserved. He had few warm personal friends. He
was the ruling spirit of his party for more than thirty years, and he deserved
great credit for discerning the demands of the Age, and making his policy as
a Statesman comply with them. Now that he is gone, there is no man of his
party who can take his place. Mr. Gladstone will come the nearest to doing
so. It is impossible that Stanley or D 'Israeli should.

An unmanly and senseless assault has been made on the Queen by a dis-
appointed officer — from which she received, however, little or no injury.

From the Continent the news is various. The difficulty between the King
of Denmark and the Holsteins is at last arranged.

In Germany, the Kings and Princes are busy in attempts to re-construct a
general Government for the country — but thus far with little success.

In France, Louis Napoleon has gained his dotation bill, so that he may pay
his enormous debts. But the manner in which the favor was conferred must
satisfy him that he can never be Grand Monarque of France. Nothing but
Changarnier's menacing speech could decide the assembly in favor of the
measure, and then only by a majority of forty-six ! We should not be sur-
prised, however, if he should attempt a coup d'Etat within a very few weeks.
It is literally now or never with him.

We are concerned to find our affairs with Portugal on so unpleasant a
footing. We hope, however, that the difficulty will be adjusted without resort
to war measures.

Our difficulties with Spain, in regard to the stupid Cuban expedition are,
we trust, nearly if not quite settled. May God incline the hearts of our rulers,
and those of all other nations to cultivate and cherish a spirit of peace, which
is so eminently the spirit of Christianity, and so becoming the relation and du-
ties of humanity.

1850.)

CHRISTIAN UNION.

383

Receipts

On behalf of the American and Foreign
Christian Union, for the month ending
10th July, 1850.

MAINE.

Augusta, Dr. Tappan's Church, . . $27 97

NEW HAMPSHIRE.

Franklin, N. S. Morrison, annual payment
for L. M 5 00

MASSACHUSETTS.

Charlton, Anna Fitts, . . . 1 00

Fall River, First Cong. Ch. ("of which $5

from Bernard Burns,) . 14 75
Ditto, Central Ch. . . 51 20

Ditto, Methodist Episcopal Ch. . 7 73
Ditto, Second Baptist Ch. . 5 43

Boston, Essex street Church — Mrs. Hannah

Sweetser, for tract distribution in Italy, 2 00
Brookline, Harvard Ch. (of which $30 from
a Friend, to constitute Mrs. John Dane L.
M.; and $30 from a few Friends, to con-
stitute Mrs. Joseph Haven L. M.) . 115 00
North Brookfield, Cong. Society, . 21 UU
Salem, Crombie-street Ch. . 14 00
Ditto, South Ch. and Society, to constitute

Rev. Israel E. D .vindl L. M. . 52 43

Bradford, Miss Belinda Lovejoy, . 2 00

Beverly, Dane-street Society, to constitute

John Lovitt L. M. . . 33 36
Ditto, Washington-street Society for a

L. M. . . . 30 00

Norton, a balance, . . . 1 50

East Medway, Mrs. Elizabeth Baxter, to

constitute Joseph L Richardson L. M. 100 00
Franklin, Mrs. M. F. Fisher, to constitute

herself L. M. . . , . 50 00

Hollisier, Mrs. H. W. Carter, for Colporteur

in France, . . . 5 00

South Weymouth, Female Charitable Soc'y.

to make Lydia P rati L. M. . 30 00

RHODE ISLAND.

Globe Printing Works. Cong. Ch. (of

which from Mrs. Win. C Chapiu, $15, 22 62

Bristol, Rev. John Br is ted, . . 10 00

Ditto, Catholic Cong. Ch. . . 3C 00

CONNECTICUT.

Thompsonville, From C. T. H. $3, A. D. 1,

per J. S. Harvey . . . 4 00
Manchester, Benjamin Lymam, in full for

L. M. . . 20 00
Ditto, Cong. Ch. to constitute Rev.

B. F. Northrop L. M. . 42 00

Madison, Cong. Ch. 31 92

New Haven, Rev. W. H. Norris, . 10 00

Ditto, S. N. Bassett, . . 5 00

Ditto, Fred. Daggett, . 2 00

Ditto, A Friend, . . 1 00

Ditto, Howe-st. Cong. Society, 41 50

NEW-YORK.

Free Gift, . . . 10 00

Beekmanton, Pres. Ch. . . 3 00

Mumford, Saml. Irvin, . . 1 00

Poughkeepsie, Joseph V. Varick, Esq. 10 00

Clyde, Pres. Ch. . . 11 06

Barre Centre, P. Ch. L. M. in part, . 10 00

Albion, P. Ch. . . . .27 54

Owasco, R. D. Ch. in part, . . 9 04

Lewiston, Pres. Ch. . . 9 00

Youngstown, P. Ch. in full, to make O.

Spencer L. M. ... 19 25

Union, Pres. Ch. a balance, . .5 00

Springport, P. Ch. . . . 7 23

Aurora, P. Ch. in part, . . 18 15

Ditto, Henry Morgan, a L. M. in part, 10 00
Five Corners, P. Ch. . .17 25

South Hampton, A Friend, . . 100
New-York City, Reformed Dutch Church,

Washington Square. . 121 00

Ditto, North Dutch Ch. col. 55 00

Ditto, Jonathan Sturgis, Esq. . 50 00

Ditto, Individuals, . . 21 00

Ditto, R. D. Ch. Fourth-street, . 120 00
Ditto, Pres. Ch. Thirteenth-st.,

Rev. Mr. Burchards, . 27 80

Whitehall, Pres. Ch. . . 56 23

Saratoga, Mrs. Taylor, . . 4 00

NEW JERSEY.

Mendham, Pres. Ch. col. in part, . .6 42
Bloomfield, Rev. Mr. Duffield's cong. ($10
of this is acknowledged be-
fore,) . . .109 09

Ditto, A Friend, for Belgium, . 50 00

PENNSYLVANIA.

Churchtown, M. E. Ch. George W. Compton, 1 00

Ditto, John Climeson, . 1 00

Parkersburg, Bap. Ch. Geo. W. Philips, 1 00

Pequa, Pres. Cong. Rev. John Wallace, pas-
tor, . . . . 9 50

Bellevue and Leacock, Pres. Cong. Rev. P.

J. Timlow, pastor, . . 27 54

Fagg's Manor, Pres. Cong, in part, to consti-
tute their pastor, Rev. Alfred Hamilton, a-

L. M., by a contribution . . 18 22

Gettysburg, Rev. S.S. Schmucker, pastor, 27 00

Path Valley, Presb. Congregation, Rev. A.

A. Mcdinley, 1). D., pastor, . . 17 95

Pottsville, Rev. Joseph McCool, . 3 58

VIRGINIA.

Douglass, P. Edwards, and Charlotte, to

make Rev. E. H.Cumpton L.M. . 47 00

Charlotte—" Court day "—sundry col. 30 33

Danville, Pres. Ch. Rev. Lewis, . 8 00
Augusta, Pres. Ch. per Rev. Wm. Brown, to

make him L. M. . . . . 39 05

Norfolk, Pres. Ch. ... 77 00

Ditto, M. E. Ch 21 63

Providence, Pres. Ch. Rev. Morison,

L.M 34 00

Moss Creek, in part, to make Rev. J. A. Van

Lear L. M., per Maj. McCure, . 10 70

NORTH CAROLINA.

Favetteville, Pres. Ch. 32 17

Ditto, M. E.Ch. . . 16 40

Ditto, Bap Ch. collection, . 7 50

Ditto, Mrs. Smith, . . 4 00
Chapel Hill, Rev. Dr. Mitchell, . .2 50
Wake Forest College, Philo Math. Society,

in part, . . 13 00

Ditto, Rev. Dr. White, . . 10 00

SOUTH CAROLINA.

- Camden, Pres. Ch. ... 22 73

Ditto. Union of M. E. & Pres. Ch.'s, . 42 50

Guthriesville, Rev. P. E. Bishop, . 5 00

GEORGIA.

Savannah, per Mr. Stiles, from Miss M. A.

Cowper, ... 20 00

Madison, Female College, per Rev. Mrs.

Irwin, . . . 13 50

Ditto, Miss Mary Isabella Irwin, . 50

Ditto, Rev. C. M. Irwin, . 4 00

Augusta, Dr. E. Paul, . . 10 00

Ditto, Rev. E.Penyman, . 3 00

Greensboro, Mr. Merrill, . . 5 00

Griffin, Collection by Rev Hinton, . 26 75

•

384

AMERICAN AND

FOREIGN CHRISTIAN UNION.

ALABAMA.

Mobile, Ladies, . . . . 10 00

LOUISIANA.

New Orleans, Edward G. Hyde, Esq., 30 00

Ditto, David Hadden, . . 5 00

INDIANA.

Princeton, John Lagow, Esq., . 30 00

OHIO.

Walnut Hills, Mrs. & Miss Overaker, for

Waldeuses, . . 25 00
Ditto, for general object, and to con-
stitute Rev. D. H. Allen,
L. M. . . 25 00

Ravanna, Cyrus Prentiss, . . 1 00

Cleveland, From Individuals of M. E.Ch. 1 67
Ditto, Collection in Weslevan Meth.

Ch. Rev. John McEldowerey, 4 83
Williamsfield and Wayne, Balance of col-
lection of Cong. Ch. . . 5 00
Painsville, Collection in Pres. Ch. Rev. J.

M. Gillett, .... 12 52

East Cleveland, Collection in Pres. Ch. to

make Rev. Jonathan Bigelow L.M. . 14 17
East Euclid, Balance, . . 1 50

Huntsburg, Balance of Collection, . 12

Willoughby, Collection in part in Pres. Ch.

Rev. Mr. Taylor, ... 6 05

Ohio citv, Collection in Pres. Ch. to make,

in full, Rev. James A. Thombe L. M. . 17 34
Avon, Balance of Collection Cong. Ch. 3 00

Wellington, Collection in Pres. Ch. Rev. A.
R. Clarke, in part, to make a L. M. here-
after to be named, . . 22 52
Mansfield, Collection in Pres. Ch. Rev. Jas.

Dickey, . . . 13 27
Ditto, Collection in M. E. Ch. Union

Meeting, . . 5 40

Ditto, Individuals in Cong. Ch. . 4 00

Plymouth, Collection in Fres. Ch. Rev. Wm.

Denipsey, . . 8 20

Ditto, Collection in M. E. Ch. Union

Meeting, . . . . 1 70

Oberlin, Collection in Cong. Ch. Rev. Prof.

Morgan, . . . . . 17 19

Marietta, First Cong. Society col. . 92 87

Ditto, Mrs. Jackson, . . . 5 00

WISCONSIN.

Green Bay, Pres. Ch . . . 12 50
Depeu, Pres. Ch. . . . 2 94

BUENOS AYRES, SOUTH AMERICA.

Mrs. Sutton, through Mrs. Cooper, . 2 00

Mrs. Livingston, . 2 00

Errata.— In the July No. pie ase read $85 25 re-
ceived from Mrs. Mary W. Tustin, of Savannah,
Georgia, and not Athens.

MORTIMER DE MOTTE,
Treasurer Am. 6( For. Christian Union.

New- York, July 10, 1850.

Donations for Portuguese.

Through the " Presbyterian" — Philadelphia, Sub-
scriber, |i; Mrs. Douglas $2; Mrs. Rankin, $1 ;
Miss M. A. Cooper, Savannah, $20 ; Mr. Safford's fa-
mily of children, $2; Baptist Ch. Clyde, New- York,
$5 90 ; Union Meeting in Baptist Ch. Albion, New-
York, $21 97; M. E. Ch. Owasco, $3 34 ; Youngs-
town, P. Ch. $5 04 ; Aurora, $2 61; Saml. Barnett
Ohio, $5.

CONTENTS.

Page.

Introductory Remarks, . . • 337

Explanation of the Plate, . . • 337
Letter of Dr. Achilli to one of the Secretaries

of the Society, . . . .341
The Inquisition at Rome, . . • 343
Extracts of a Letter from the Correspondent of
the New-York Commercial Advertiser, writ-
ten at Aosta, in Piedmont, . • • 345
" The Protestant World," . . 348
The Right of Private Judgment, . . 349
Hon . Edward Everett's Estimate of the Bible, 352
Puseyite Nunnery, .... 354
Influence of God's Word, . . . 355
Ireland: Rev. Alexander King, . . 355
A Prayer for a devout Christian, taken from

St. Patrick's Hymn, ... 359
Letters to the Rev. Dr. Candlish, No. 5, . 359
First and Last Thoughts, ... 362
Sketches of the Religious Denominations in the
United States. No. 5.— The Methodist Episco-
pal Church, ..... 363
Resolution of the Associate Reformed Synod
in behalf of the Society, . . 367

Page.

Christendom Abroad, No. 5. — Concluding Re-

marks on the Scandinavian countries, . 367

Rev. E. N. Sawtell, ... 369

Home Field.

Portuguese, .... 370

The Irish, 370

Our Irish Mission in New-York city, . 373
An Important Measure : An Intelligence Office

for Irish Domestics, .... 374

German Missions, . . . 374

Foreign Field.

Italy and the Italians, .... 375

Italian Newspaper in New-York. . 376

Mission at Panama, .... 377
Juvenile Department.

Coaxing, . . . ... 377

Miscellaneous.

Prayer of Mary Queen of Scots, . . 379

The Oldest Christian Hymn, . . 380

Notices of Books, .... 380

View of Public Affairs, . . 3S1

Receipts, &c. . . • 383