spectators in other countries who witness with grief whatever wears a contrary aspect. GREECE.-Intelligence from Greece states, that a considerable victory had been gained over a body of Egyptian troops which had been disembarked at Modona, and that the Greek fleet had sailed to intercept the invading expedi tion. UNITED PROVINCES OF LA PLATA. The first treaty of friendship, commerce, and navigation between this country and an independent State of South America, has been concluded with the Government of Buenos Ayres, who are charged with the general authority of the newly formed nation of the United Provinces of the Rio de la Plata." It stipulates perpetual friendship, reciprocal freedom of commerce, the abolition of the slave trade, and "perfect liberty of conscience." British subjects are not to be disturbed on account of their religion; the forms of which they may celebrate either in their own houses or in churches and chapels, which they shall be authorised to build in convenient situations. This is a most important concession: indeed the foundation is laid for a full and adequate recognition of the rights of conscience throughout South and Central America, and ultimately, we doubt not, throughout the world. DOMESTIC. The most important occurrence of the month has been the proceedings in parliament on "the Catholic relief bill." The result, we need not inform our readers, has been, that, after passing the house of commons, it was rejected by the house of lords; 130 peers having voted for it, and 178 against it. It would be quite impracticable for us to attempt a sketch of the protracted debates which took place on the occasion, or of the chief arguments employed by the numerous speakers on either side. Among the leading memoranda of the debates, we may mention the introduction of the measure into the house of commons on the second reading by M. Brownlow, the member for Armagh, who had hitherto been warmly opposed to further concessions;-and a temporary dislocation of parties, in consequence of the bills for disfranchising the forty-shilling freeholders, and paying the Catholic priests; several members voting out of their usual line, both as respected the main bill and its appendages. Among the cabinet ministers no change has taken place in their respective sentiments; and the report that Lord Liverpool, in par ticular, had determined to vote for the measure, was strongly contradicted by his lordship's speech, which, considering that nobleman's usual temperament, was somewhat remarkable for its warmth. The corn laws have undergone some discussion in both houses; and his majesty's government have stated their conviction that they cannot remain on their present footing, and have pledged themselves to a full inquiry into the subject next session. To say nothing of other circumstances or of past times, it is very clear that, now that the restrictions on commerce have been so liberally thrown off, the British workman is placed under a most serious disadvantage if, while his goods are unprotected, he pays a monopoly price for the corn with which he has to support himself and his family. We shall be tempted, in that case, either to recur to the old restrictive and ruinous system of commerce, or to follow up what has been so wisely commenced by further reformations, which in the end must benefit all parties, whether commercial or agricultural.-While on this subject, we cannot but add our deepest regrets that, while Government has so vigorously opposed monopolies in general, and has now even publicly proclaimed that the great monopoly of corn itself must be examined into, and a better system devised, it should still be afraid to advance a single step towards the extinction of that worst of all monopolies, the West-India monopoly, which, in addition to all the other evils of monopolies, is the almost sole support of the horrors and atrocities of slavery. But we do not despair: the death-blow, we are persuaded, has been struck; and slavery, however long it may writhe and linger in convulsive efforts to extract the shaft that rankles in its vitals, must ultimately sink beneath the wounds inflicted upon it no less by political expediency than by humanity and religion. We rejoice to state, that the house of commons is zealously adopting and matúring the details of Mr. Peel's admirable jury bill.-The chancellor of the exchequer has brought in a bill to prevent the judges receiving fees, and to assign a suitable salary in place of them.-Mr. Peel has pledged himself to look into some additional points connected with the administration of justice, which are susceptible of improvement. We trust that, among many others which suggest themselves to our minds, the three following will be considered: first, the propriety of extending the privilege of pleading by counsel to all classes of offences; secondly, of securing to the public the Services, as jurors and witnesses in all cases, of a class of men who have taken a most zealous and useful part in the reform of prison discipline, and numerous other objects of enlightened benevolence the Society of Friends, who are now excluded by conscientious scruples respecting oaths, from sharing the duties of their fellow-countrymen in criminal, and partly in civil, courts of justice; thirdly, of abolishing the absurd and most injurious practice of making an arraigned person plead guilty or not guilty; one among many instances of the evil effects of which has just occurred in the case of Mr. Savery of Bristol, who refusing, whether from conscientious motives or from hopes improperly held out by a magistrate, to plead not guilty, was condemned without trial. Why should a prisoner be constrained either to add a solemn falsehood to his other crimes, or be adjudged guilty of an offence which cannot perhaps be proved? Instances may even occur of persons, either through ignorance or conscientiousness, pleading guilty to crimes of which, technically speaking, they are not guilty. For ex ample, deep remorse may induce a person to plead guilty to an indictment for murder, and he may in consequence suffer the penalty of death without a trial, under circumstances which, had witnesses been called, would have reduced the offence to manslaughter, and have saved his life. Indeed, in the official form in which a charge often appears, in order to adapt it to particular statutes, it is perhaps not possible for an illiterate person to know whether he is really guilty of the exact offence specified in the indictment, though he is morally guilty of a certain act which he knows to be wrong and illegal, and is willing to confess. But we forbear to enter further upon the subject; and we only suggest these re-. marks in passing, as illustrative of some of the points to which we wish that legislative attention were directed in order to the improvement of our written and practical jurisprudence. We grieve to state, that the game-laws bill, after passing the commons, was thrown out of the house of lords. Another year must therefore elapse under the evils of the present mischievous system. ECCLESIASTICAL PREFERMENTS. Rev. J. M. Turner, M. A. to the Prebend of Lafford at Lewes, near Sleaford, Lincoln, vice George Turner, deceased. Rev. Jos. Cross; Rev. Ames Hellicar; Rev. Frederick Rouch; and Rev. Mr. Lambert, elected Minor Canons of Bristol Cathedral. Rev. Henry Parr Beloe, Trinity and St. Mary, RR. Guilford, vice Dr. Weller, res. Rev. J. Bardgett, Broughton V. Yorkshire. Rev. J. Brasse, B. D. Stotfold V. Beds. Rev. Wm. Carwithen, Allhallows on the Wall, Exeter, and Manaton RR. Devon. Rev. Liscombe Clarke, Downton V. Wilts, vice Lear, resigned. Rev. E. B. Elliot, Tuxford V. Notts. Rev. Asgil Colville, Market Harboro' Perp. Cur. co. Leicester. Rev. Nathaniel Colville, Great and Rev. G. J. Davies, Marfleet Perp. Rev. J. Fellowes, Beighton R. Nor folk. Rev. Charles Griffiths, Trentishoe R. Devon. Rev. O. W. Kilvington, Snaith V. co. York. Rev. J. Milne, Swine V. Holderness. Rev. J. Procter, D.D. Conington R. Hunts. Rev. Phil. Nic. Shuttleworth, D.D. Foxley R. Wilts. Rev. Geo. Uppill, Hornbloton R. Somers. Rev. J. Digby Wingfield, Geashill Living, King's County, Ireland. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. ARTHUR; N. J. B.; C. L.; A LAYMAN; AN OLD WOMAN; E. M. B.; D. P.; D. R. N.; R. H.; W. I.; Outis; H.; T. S.; SEPTUAGENARIUS; and T. P., are under consideration. The half of a Bank Note, No. 7007, for 100%. (anonymous) has been received by the British and Foreign Bible Society. CHRISTIAN OBSERVER. No. 282.] JUNE, 1825. [No. 6. Vol. XXV. RELIGIOUS COMMUNICATIONS. AN ACCOUNT OF THE PROTESTANT CHURCH IN FRANCE. (Concluded from p. 274.) SECOND plan which may be suggested for the improvement of the Protestant body, is the more extensive promotion of religious instruction and information.- Much has already been devised for this purpose: schools have been established; and besides this, the general plan of education in France has hitherto admitted the instruction of the Protestants with the Catholics. The Tract Society which has been established has put a number of useful works into circulation. The monthly papers issued by the Bible and Missionary Societies are also extensively read. I have already mentioned the Archives du Christianisme, the circulation of which deserves every encouragement. It has moreover been proposed to reprint some standard works of divinity, and to translate others from the English and German languages. With this view, a publication called the "Conservateur Chrêtien," edited by M. Perrot Droz, of Geneva, has been published periodically. Its first Number contains an old and valuable account of the death of Duplessis, Mornay, and four other Christians of the same period, together with the account of M. Řieu, who died two years since in Denmark. The last-mentioned memoir is one of the most interesting obituaries of a Christian Minister, taken from the conflict whilst standing and clothed in all the armour of God," that has appeared before the public for many years. CHRIST. OBSERV. No. 282. The express object of this publication is to reprint parts or the whole of works original or translated, all having a moral or religious tendency. The character of the excellent individual who edits the Conservateur Chrêtien will be a security for its orthodoxy, its sobriety, and its genuine piety. This publication, if conducted as there is reason to hope it will be, will prove of great value. With similar views, a translation of Milner's Church History has been set on foot. No work can be better calculated than this to teach most important lessons to the Protestants of France; for it will serve to shew them, not only how the Almighty can and will preserve his true church from all the storms as well as hidden difficulties through which it must pass, but also what are the means by which the decay of religion among a people may be checked, and its revival promoted. Translations of other works are from time to time announced at Paris and at Geneva. Dr. Chalmers's Commercial Discourses have been translated by M. Pons; Mr. Wilberforce's Practical View, by M. Froissard; Mrs. Barbauld's Hymns, by M. Coqueril; Beattie's and Erskine's works on the Evidences of Christianity, by M. Jaquier and the Duchess de Broglie; and Mrs. Hoare on Nursery Education, &c. The more translations of this kind that are made the better. The knowledge and experience of one country will thus be given to the other; and the bonds which hold together Christians in each country will be strengthened. A third object of great import2 X ance is the education of ministers. is evident that such a measure The number of pastors is at present would prove a great and lasting insufficient to provide for the vacant blessing to the Protestant commu. charges; and many districts have no nity. pastor, nor any spiritual instructor whatever. Whence does this deficiency of ministers arise? One cause is, that in France the Protestant clergy are very poorly paid, and those persons who look to the Church for support can scarcely obtain it. The allowance made to each minister by the government does not exceed forty, sixty, or eighty pounds a-year, and in the capital one hundred and twenty pounds; and they derive very little, in general, from voluntary contributions, to supply the scanty allowance of the state. This condition of things not only produces a want of ministers, but it tends to prevent men of superior talents and learning from engaging in the important office of the ministry, which is thus apt to be occupied by persons but ill fitted not only to maintain with advantage the interests of religion against the enemies of the faith, but to enlarge the numbers for enlightened and pious attendants at their places of worship. It is true that there are many distinguished ministers in the French Church, but they stand in need of help: they are in general encumbered with a weight of occupation; and although the influence of their character is powerfully felt in their own circle, their exertions can reach but a little way. The remedy for these evils would be, to educate young men of talent to fill up the vacant offices in the ministry, and to gather into the fold the scattered Protestants. These when educated might be first placed as curates to the older ministers. They would thus prepare themselves for their work, and set those ministers whom they assisted at liberty for more extensive usefulness. An attempt to educate a body of young men has been made; but serious difficulties have arisen in the way of the undertaking. But these difficulties, I trust, may be obviated. It The last expedient I would venture to suggest, by which the cause of religion may be advanced in France, is by abating or counteracting as much as possible the various hindrances of real vital religion which prevail in that country. I here allude not merely to those public amusements which are pursued with such avidity by the mass of the French nation, but also to the violation of the Sabbath, whether by open dissipation as amongst the French, or the more concealed, though scarcely less dangerous, practice of holding Sunday evening societies, as amongst the Swiss. Neither do I mean to dwell on the multitude of bad books which are circulated in France; to say nothing of the works of Voltaire, which alone are enough to stock a library, and which are stereotyped and sold in every shape and every size, as well as those of Rousseau, and the encyclopedists and novelists in general. would speak of a still more formidable enemy prevailing within the church itself, which, under the most specious subterfuges, eats out the very heart's core of vital religion: I mean the Arian or Socinian heresy. A large majority of La Compagnie de Pasteurs at Geneva has shewn itself Arian in its profession; and as the election of ministers is by vote, it is to be feared that no candidates for orders will be admitted in future, but such as agree in opinion with the majority; and that in a few years, therefore, the pastors will be unanimous in their religious tenets. The University of Geneva has from the beginning been accustomed to furnish ministers to the churches of France, as well as to the French Churches in various parts of Europe. As the number of regular appointments in its own canton is very limited, and there is always a considerable number of candidates for But I ordination, a disposable body of ministers is generally to be found in that place for any service which may present itself. The Genevese character is marked by intelligence and activity; and in these qualities the Company of Pastors are by no means deficient They exercise a considerable influence in various parts of Europe, and even in this country. In proof of this, the London papers have announced the publication of a second edition of the Geneva Catechism translated into English, and recommended for the use of schools. In this catechism it is needless to say that the doctrines of the Divinity of Jesus Christ, and the personality of the Holy Spirit, are passed by without notice, and in fact disowned. In France a monthly publication is printed under the auspices of persons connected in principle with the Compagnie at Geneva; and these persons omit no opportunity by means of the press, or by influencing the appointment of professors to foreign universities, of propagating their mischievous and heretical doctrines. The readers of advertisements will have observed that in the course of last year, in the "Monthly Repository of Theology and general Literature," a Socinian work, published in London, an attack was made by the professor of divinity at Geneva, M. Chénévière, upon the Christian Observer, the Archives du Christianisme, and on all the promoters of orthodox knowledge and religious improvement, as Mr. Haldane, Mr. Drummond, &c., as well as upon "a little regiment of middleaged ladies armed with pocket Bibles," and upon "a host of Methodists of both sexes," all of whom appear to be particularly obnoxious to M. Chénévière. Only Mr. Haldane seems to have thought the professor's work worth a public answer. The remaining objects of his displeasure have treated his animadversions with entire disregard. It is, however, evident that publications of this description, if conducted with a less outrageous violation of common truth and honesty, than is conspicuous in the writings of M. Chénévière, and with less of that profane mockery which must offend every pious mind, may do great injury amongst the Protestants of France. Means therefore should be taken to check them, and to protect the Protestants of France from the pernicious influence of the Arian Church of Geneva, which, by means of its vigilance and activity, and its juxta position to them, is certainly an object of serious alarm to every sincere friend of vital religion*. To the means which I have now enumerated as likely to be productive of good to the Protestant Church of France, I would only briefly add, in conclusion, one more, that of earnest and continual prayer for the influences of the Holy Spirit to render those means effectual. Without this aid, we well know that all efforts will be in vain! After this review of the state of Our correspondent does not seem to be aware that, in addition to the reply of Mr. Haldane, the Rev. J. P. Smith, D. D. addressed to the Editor of the "Monthly Repository," a series of letters in reply to Bakewall, which have since been reprinted M. Chénévière, with a rejoinder to Mr. in a pamphlet. Dr. Smith had alluded in very strong terms, to the lamentable relapse of Geneva in Christian doctrine, in his highly valuable and interesting "Scripture Testimony to the Divinity of Christ." Some of the individuals whom M. Chenevière had rudely and calumniously attacked, addressed letters to him, which, though they were not printed, were freely circulated in Geneva; and some of which exhibit, in glaring colours, the wilful misrepresentations of this theological professor; and mark him with the indelible characters of an equivocator and slanderer. The whole of the Genevese controversy, as well as the infamous persecutions which have taken place in the Canton de Vaud-persecutions worthy of the middle ages, or of the Spanish inquisition, though carried on under the authority of a Protestant Council of State-will form the subject of future articles. The annals of Romish tyranny furnish no more striking exemplification of bigotry and intolerance, than has been exhibited by this petty government, reigning over a district not half so large as many an English county.-Ed. 1 |