MISSIONARY. CHINA.-Intelligence from this land is now waited for with intense interest. But, there is much difficulty in obtaining correct information of the movements of either the imperialists or the insurgents. One opinion seems to prevail among the christian missionaries stationed at the outskirts of the empire, whether British or American, as to the religious character of this mighty movement against the old idolatry. Looking over our papers from the United States, we met with the following: Religious Views of the Revolutionists.— "The Presbyterian" has a letter from a missionary at Shanghai, dated Nov. 4, which gives an exceedingly hopeful view of the religious aims of the revolutionary leaders. The writer speaks of the young relatives of one of the chiefs, now at Shanghai, with confidence in the reliability of their representations, and accounts from their being separated from their family.He says:-"In estimating this movement, it is important to understand the personal character of its leaders. It will be anxiously inquired whether they are indeed governed by the precepts of the gospel of Christ. At present this is a question concerning which we must stand in doubt. One thing, however, can hardly be doubted-they are sincere in their belief of christianity as a religious system, disinterested in their professions of that belief, and are acting according to the light they have, in conformity to their heartfelt convictions. Their conduct cannot be accounted for in any other way. It is not policy that suggests their course. Why should men, aiming at the possession of the empire, array against themselves all the long-cherished prejudices of their countrymen, by declaring war against timehonored institutions and universally received opinions? No, they must be sincere."There are now in Shanghai two young men, one of whom is the son, and the other the nephew and adopted son, of the insurgent chief, who has the title of the "Eastern King." The former is twelve, the latter eighteen years of age. The elder followed the army from the first outbreak until it left the province of Kwangsi, and was present at the earlier battles and sieges. He saw some of those remarkable deliverances which are described in the books as the "descent of the Heavenly Father." One of these was the occurrence of a thick fog when the insurgents, having been totally defeated, were flying before their pursuers. The fog, by concealing them, saved them from being cut to pieces. Similar explanations, perhaps, may be given of the peculiar language employed in the books in other instances. What is more interesting, however, is the christian character of these youths, as developed under the sole teaching of the insurgents. As to be expected, they are deficient in knowledge, and yet so far as their knowledge extends, their views appear to be sound and scriptural. Of the elder one particularly, the baptist brethren speak in the highest terms. He had seen but small portions of the New Testament until he came to Shanghai, and it is now his constant companion. He studies its contents with the avidity of one who longs for the bread of life, and can relish the sincere milk of the word. Both of the young men, after suitable trial, have been received into the church by the baptist mission at this place, and they regard the elder one as giving much clearer evidence of genuine conversion than any one they have yet received into their mission church. We have ground to hope that their teachers may not be behind them in the knowledge and love of the truth. These youths have come from Canton, seeking an opportunity to reach Nanking. The elder one was sent back from the army to see to the welfare of the family at home; and the occupation of the country, abandoned by the advancing insurgents, and by imperialist troops, cut off his return. It would seem, from the account which these young men give, that the leaders of the insurrection regard themselves as raised up by Providence for the express purpose of opening the way for the spread of the gospel in China. The present rulers have set themselves against it by restricting foreigners to a few places on the coast, and by persecuting the professors of the religion of Jesus. Therefore, they are to be deprived of power and others to be put in their place, who shall encourage preachers of the gospel, foreign and native, to pass through the empire "as freely as the winds of heaven.” We add another paragraph from the same paper. A Chinese Almanac. An almanac has been issued by the insurgents in China, in which the year is divided into weeks, and each Sabbath is duly marked as a day of worship. The distinction of lucky days and the calculation of destiny with which Chinese works of this kind are filled, are rejected from it on the ground that "times and seasons are at the disposal of our Heavenly Father, and he who piously performs his duty will at all times enjoy the divine protection." THE SANDWICH ISLANDS.-A fourth part of the inhabitants are members in regular standing of Protestant Christian churches; and not less than sixteen hundred new members were added to these churches during the past year. During that year, that while Rev. Mr. Brown, now of Owasco, New York, was a missionary teacher in China, he succeeded in gathering from the streets a few Chinese boys, whom he studiously instructed in the bible and its principles, and in our American views of civil and religious liberty. After his return to this country, he kept up a correspondence with the most prominent of them. One of these boys is now at the head of the Chinese rebellion. Another is at the head of the 30,000 Chinese in California, and although not a professed Christian, he tells his countrymen, "I cannot engage in the senseless idol-worship of my country-it is so degrading." Another is a promising medi and another is a student in Yale College. five thousand pounds were contributed in FRUITS OF GOOD INSTRUCTION.-A corresthose churches for the support and propa-pondent of the New York Observer says, gation of the gospel. The nation recognizes the obligations of the sabbath. Houses for christian worship are built and frequented as among ourselves. Christian marriage is enjoined and regulated by the laws, and the number of marriage licenses taken out in in the year 1852 exceeded two thousand. The language is reduced to writing, and is read by nearly a third part of the people. The schools contain the great body of the children and youth. The annual outlay for education, chiefly by the government, exceeds fifty thousand dollars. The bible, translated by the labours of eight missionaries, was in the hands of the people before the year 1840; and there are elementary books in theology, practical religion, geo-cal student in the University of Edinburgh, graphy, arithmetic, astronomy, and history, making together a respectable library for a people in the early stages of civilization. Since the press first put forth its efforts in the language on the 7th January, 1822, there have been issued nearly two hundred millions of pages. The very first article in the constitution, promulgated by the king and chiefs in the year 1840, declares, "that no law shall be enacted which is at variance with the word of the Lord Jehovah, or with the general spirit of his word;" and that "all the laws of the islands shall be in consistency with God's law." What was this but a publie, solemn, national profession of the christian religion, on the high puritan basis? And the laws and adminstration of the government since that time, have been as consistent with this profession, to say the least, as those of any other christian government in the world. Court-houses, prisons, roads, bridges, surveys of lands, and their distribution with secure titles among the people, are in constant progress. A MISSIONARY MEETING IN NEW ZEALAND.-At a missionary meeting in New Zealand, held in the open air, on account of the number present, very many were provided with good and capacious tents, and all were remarkably well dressed in European costume. Twelve native teachers and three chiefs addressed the audience, and a collection was taken amounting to about 240 dollars. One individual present proposed that these meeetings be discontinued, but the people, on its being referred to them, exclaimed with a hearty voice, "No, never! When we give up our missionary collections, we shall have renounced christianity." THE GOSPEL AMONG THE NESTORIANS.— The American missionaries have full liberty to preach in all the Nestorian churches in the Oroomiah district. All the churches have been divested of their pictures, crosses, &c., and all the objectionable portions of their liturgy, such as prayers of intercession to the Virgin, saints, &c., have been marked out, and are omitted in their devotions. RELIGIOUS. POPERY IN ENGLAND.-An American religious newspaper says:-" The constant boastings of the Roman Catholic church and press, that England was rapidly being converted to popery, as well as the late assumption of ecclesiastical titles by the romish hierarchy, had induced the belief that really very large accessions to that church had taken place; but the census has just dis MISSIONARIES CHILDREN.-There have been 282 children born of Protestant missionaries to the Sandwich Islands, fortyseven of whom have died at the islands, eight in the United States, and three at sea; 164 of the 235 now living are at the islands, and seventy-one in the United States. Eight of the sons of the mission have received a liberal education, three others are pursuing a collegiate course, and a large number are preparing for the same. Four of the daughters have completed a regular course of study in the United States, and have re-pelled the charm. Of the seventeen milturned: eleven have been married, eight of whom are in the United States, and three at the islands. Of the 235 now living, ninetyone are hopefully pious, most of whom have made a public profession of religion. Of the eighty-six living at the islands, who are twelve years of age, sixty-four are hopefully pious, lions of English population, the pope has not even two hundred thousand subjects, or, about one in a hundred, and even that small number is more than fully accounted for by Irish and other foreign imigration. Indeed, taking the papal imigration in the balance, popery must have lost more adherents than she has gained. It is evident that all the accounts of the romish press about the progress of romanism in England must henceforth be received with extreme caution, and that if the progress of England towards romanism continues at the same rate, it will take at least a million of years to effect the conversion of that country." POPERY IN THE UNITED STATES.-The "Metropolitan Catholic Almanac, and Latty's Director, for 1854," published at Baltimore, under the superintendence of the romish clergy, states that forty-five years ago there were 80 Catholic churches in the United States, and only 68 priests to serve them. Twenty-two years afterwards, there were 11 dioceses in the country, with 230 churches, and as many priests. In 1840, there were 455 churches, and 482 priests. In 1850, there were 1,073 churches, and 1,081 priests. The record of the present year gives 7 arch-dioceses, 41 dioceses, 1,712 churches, and 1,574 priests. The total number of professing catholics in the United States is stated in the work at about 1,750,000, which is supposed to be somewhat below the actual number, as the returns from many districts, at the time of making up the statement, were incomplete. Connected with the church throughout the United States are 34 ecclesiastical institutions, 590 clerical students, 45 literary institutions for young men, 174 female religious institutions, 112 female academies, and 131 charitable institutions. METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN THE UNITED STATES.-The minutes of the Annual Conferences for 1853 present the following statistics:-Members, 648,680, Probationers, 103,957, total, 728,700, increase from the preceding year 3,937. Travelling preachers,-effective 4,954, superannuated and supernumerary, 606, total, 5,100.Raised for missions, domestic and foreign, 210,447 dollars. PHILADELPHIA, United States. It appears from the Directory of 1852, that there are two hundred and thirty-four places of worship in Philadelphia; forty-eight of which are Presbyterian; twenty-five Baptist; thirty-three Protestant Episcopal; seven Lutheran; four Dutch and German Reformed; thirteen Roman Catholic; twentyseven Methodist, including four Methodist Protestant: and twenty-nine of various other classes, including twelve coloured. GLASGOW. The congregation worshipping in West George Street Chapel, have agreed to call Dr. Lindsay Alexander, of Edinburgh, to assume the pastorate vacant by the death of the late lamented Dr. Wardlaw. DR. RAFFLES AND DR. HALLEY, are, we hear, about to take a tour eastward, visiting on their way, Rome and Jerusalem. A SOLEMN WARNING.The following narration of an awfully sudden death bas been forwarded to us from one of our circuits :-" A very aged sinner has been called to his account within the last few days, under circumstances the most appalling. Whilst partaking of his dinner, he uttered a dreadful oath in reference to some one that had defrauded him of an article of little value, and at that instant the summons was served, and he gave up the ghost, most fearfully proving the fullfilment of the words, "When he is about to fill his belly, God shall cast the fury of his wrath upon him, and shall rain it upon him while he is eating." And says the same scripture"This is the portion of a wicked man from God." The deceased was 102 years old, and has lived all his life in rebellion against that God who has declared that the "sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed."-Zion's Herald. GENERAL. UNITED STATES.-The slavery party are now making another audacious attempt to extend their influence by the addition of an extensive region as a slave state-the territory of Nebraska. The Hon. Charles Sumner, in Congress, delivered a long and eloquent speech against the bill, which he proved to be a most barefaced and infamous violation of a former compact, proposed by the slavery men themselves, and embodied in an act of Congress, March 6, 1820, which declares that in this region "Slavery and involuntary servitude, otherwise than as the punishment of crimes, shall be, and We give is hereby for ever prohibited." one extract from the speech of Mr. Sumner, which, with the one given above, will shew the vast importance of the question now before Congress. "The question presented for your consideration is not surpassed by any in our national history since the Declaration of Independence. In every aspect it assumes gigantic proportions, whether we simply consider the extent of territory it concerns, or the public faith, or national policy which it affects, or that higher question—that Question of Questions, as far above others as Liberty is above the common things of life - which it opens anew for judgment. It concerns an immense region, larger than the original thirteen States, vieing in extent with all the existing free States, stretching over prairie, field, and forest-interlaced by silver streams, skirted by protecting mountains, and constituting the heart of the North American continent -only a little smaller, let me add, than three great European countries combinedItaly, Spain, and France, each of which, in succession, has dominated over the world. This Territory has already been likened, on this floor, to the Garden of God. The similitude is found, not merely in its present pure and virgin character, but in its actual geographical situation, occupying central spaces on this hemisphere, which, in their general relations, may well compare with that early Asiatic home. We are told that, Southward through Eden went a river large; so here we have a stream which is larger than the Euphrates. And here, too, amidst all the smiling products of nature lavished by the hand of God, is the goodly tree of Liberty, planted by our fathers, which, without exaggeration, or even imagination, may be likened to the tree of life, High eminent, blooming ambrosial fruit It is with regard to this territory, that you are now called to exercise the grandest function of the lawgiver, by establishing those rules of polity which will determine its future character. As the twig is bent the tree inclines; and the influences impressed upon the early days of the empirelike those upon a child - are of inconceivable importance to its future weal or woe. The bill now before us, proposes to organize and equip two new territorial establishments, with governors, secretaries, legislative councils, legislators, judges, marshals, and the whole machinery of civil society. Such a measure, at any time, would deserve the most careful attention. But at the present moment, it excites a peculiar interest, from the effort made-on pretences unsustained by facts-in violation of solemn covenant, and of the early principles of our fathers -to open this immense region to slavery." TAX ON PAPER.-We scarcely know a tax which is more objectionable than this. Not only does it retard the spread of knowledge, which alone is a great evil, but it is so unequal and unjust in its exactions, so expensive in its operations, and so annoying to the paper makers, that men of independence and enterprize are prevented from engaging in the manufacture. Were the paper tax removed there can be no doubt that as many more mills would immediately be in active operation. Had not this vexatious Russian war arisen, we believe that the tax would have been removed during the present session. REPUBLIC OF LIBERIA.-The Editor, writers, compositors, and printers, of the Liberia Herald, are all negroes! What can the oppressors and caluminiators of the black man say to that? A NEW EMPLOYMENT has been found for intelligent females, in working the Electric Telegraphs at London, Liverpool, and Manchester. A SAD RESULT.-The public papers mention the sudden death of Lord Gilbert Norman Grosvenor, son of the marquis of Westminster. His Lordship was a lieutenant on board one of the war-ships about to sail for the Baltic. It was reported that he was killed by the falling of some of the tackling of the ship, but it is now affirmed that death was produced by the inordinate use of ardent spirits. The body of the deceased young nobleman, who was but twenty-two, was sent on shore. PAPER FROM WOOD.-The scarcity of materials for the manufacture of paper has for some time occupied the thoughts of scientific men, who have been seeking for some new substance. At length it is affirmed that certain woods may be reduced and worked into pulp, as to produce a good writing and printing paper. We shall rejoice to find that this report is correct. FATAL FOLLY.-Some wild and foolish fellows, at a "wake" at Rosslea, county of Monaghan, performed a farce of a trial, and then led the pretended culprit to execution. By some accident, after the rope tied round his neck was affixed to the beam, the stool on which he stood was removed from under him, and he was hanged. POOR LAW REMOVALS.-For the year ending Lady Day, 1853, as many as 10,032 orders of removal were made out for England and Wales, involving an expence of £13,646. It is high time that a system involving so much personal and family suffering, and such a vast expence, should be entirely abolished. UNIVERSITY REFORM.-At length something is to be done. Lord John Russell has brought in a bill for the reform of the Oxford University; but though he admits the principle, and 102 members of Parliament requested him to do so, he has not ventured to open the doors to Dissenters. PUBLIC HOUSES AND BEER SHOPS.The official returns for England and Wales for 1853, give 61,040 licensed victuallers' houses, and 40,913 beer houses. licensed victuallers' houses of Scotland 14,812, and Ireland 15,280. The A CURIOUS PETITION has just been presented to the House of Commons from a friend of our native song-birds, who asks that a law should be made to prevent the destruction of blackbirds and thrushes! Could these songsters be made acquainted with the fact they would doubtless raise some new notes in his praise. THE GREAT STRIKE AT PRESTON continues; but the leaders of the movement have been brought before the magistrates on a charge of conspiracy in preventing some fresh hands from working at the factories. THE SITE OF THE GREAT EXHIBITION in Hyde Park is now entirely covered with grass, and has been re-opened for the use of the public. It presents no traces of the ravages effected for the time by the erection of the Crystal Palace. FUGITIVE SLAVES IN CANADA.-It is stated that as many as 35,000 fugitive slaves are now in Canada, many of them working on the new lines of railway. In Canada West many are settled, and occupy 25,000 acres of land. THE DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE, cousin of the Queen, has been elected President of Christs' Hospital, London, by a large majority over the Lord Mayor, who has usually been elected. JERUSALEM.-Another violent squabble is reported between the Greek and Latin priests for possession of the holy places, ending in blows and death. How disgraceful! REVIEW OF THE PAST MONTH. Saturday, March 25. AT HOME.-All has been bustle and activity in embarking troops for Turkey, and in sending off a powerful fleet to the Baltic. These warlike indications have had a depressing effect on the public funds, which are gradually sinking. But notwithstanding these exciting demonstrations, both Houses of Parliament are proceeding vigorously with matters of domestic legislation. We cannot now, however, expect any further reduction of taxation, but rather a serious increase. It is already proposed to add one-half to the income tax for the next half-year, and to double it for the half-year following, with a prospect of further increase should the war go on; the Chancellor of the Exchequer having announced his intention of asking for the payment of all the war expenses, year by year, as they are incurred, leaving in this case no war-debt to be paid by our posterity. The death of Judge Talfourd on the Bench whilst delivering a charge to the Grand Jury at Shrewsbury, has produced a great sensation in high places. He was much respected for his talents and amiability. ABROAD. There has been no serious contest between the Turks and the Russians in Asia, or on the banks of the Danube, since our last report; but each party appears to be strengthening its positions. The rising of the Greek Christians in some of the provinces against the Turks, no doubt at the instigation of Russia, has caused some uneasiness and apprehension. In the Black Sea, there has not been any collision between the fleets, but two war-steamers have been sent from the united squadron to open the mouths of the Danube, by force, if they find it necessary. The Ultimatum of England and France has been sent to the Emperor of Russia, with a notice that six days would be given for a reply; on hearing of which, it is said, that the proud Autocrat exclaimed, "six days! six minutes will do." And now the Times of this morning says,"By Electric Telegraph. Count Nesselrode has communicated to the English and French Consuls, that the Emperor will give no answer at all to their joint summons." War, then, is inevitable! The English fleet, which was led out from Spithead by the Queen in her royal yacht, under the command of Admiral Napier, has reached the Baltic, and is now off Copenhagen, waiting orders. The next move is expected to be to the island of Aland, off the eastern coast of Sweden, commanding the gulphs of Bothnia and Finland. Sweden and Denmark have declared they shall be neutral. The conduct of Austria is undecided, and that of Prussia very suspicious. We may yet have a general European war, and all under the fanatical pretence of veneration for the tomb of the Redeemer-the Prince of Peace!Verily, "the beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water." Marriages. Dec. 1, at the Mission Chapel, Cuttack, East Indies, Babu Behari Lal Singh, of the Free Church Mission, Calcutta, to Mary, adopted daughter of Dr. Amos Sutton, who performed the ceremony. Feb. 14, at Cannon Street, chapel, Bir mingham, by Mr. Swan, Mr. James Evans, to Miss Ann Threadgall. Feb. 22, at Union baptist chapel, Oxford Road, Salford, by Mr. Tucker, Mr. R. Chenery, minister of York Street baptist chapel, Manchester, to Miss E. A. Parkinson. Feb. 23, at the baptist chapel, Branch Road, Blackburn, by Mr. Barker, Mr. W. Whitehead, to Miss Mary Bladen. Feb. 25, at the baptist chapel, Grimsby, by Mr. Preece, Mr. H. Atkinson of Thoresby, to Miss S. Colton of Cleethorpes. Feb. 26, at the General Baptist chapel, Mansfield, by Mr. Wood, Mr. W. Stranther to Miss E. Truelove. Feb. 28, at the General Baptist chapel, Stoney Street, Nottingham, by Mr. Hunter, Mr. R. Clay, to Miss E. Allen. |