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eers of the navy, is likely to produce a very slutary effect; and they are not without hope of obtaining the concurrence of the different countries in a state of amity with us, and particularly of America, in a plan for its entire suppression. One ship, under Portugueze colours, destined to tear seven or eight hundred human beings from Africa, and to carry them to the island of Cuba, was seized, by means of the Directors, in the river Thames, just as the voyage was about to commence, and has been finally condemned, together with the cargo, in the Court of Exchequer; the proof of the slavetrading inten: being so clear that the parties concerned did not think it necessary to contest the point. The value of ship and cargo is estimated at upwards of 11,000l. This single detection, when we consider its nature and probable consequences, is of itself sufficient to prove the utility of the institution and to compensate to its members all the expense of their contributions. The Directars, however, look to the activity of our naval officers as the best means of suppressing the reviving Slave Trade; and little doubt is entertained of its soon receiving a considerable check from their exertions.

The other points touched on in the Report, are, 1. The capture of Senegal, which has given us the command of the river of that name, and thus of a great inlet to civihization and commerce. The successful culture of the mulberry tree in Africa, which affords a hope that silk may be raised there. A number of silk-worms' eggs have accordingly been sent out, with appropriate instrucbons for their treatment. 3. The transmistion of useful seeds and plants to Africa. A valuable supply of seeds has been received from Dr. Roxburgh, of Calcutta, and among the rest the suun and paat (the hemp and fax of India), the teak wood, and the Cajapaita oil tree. 4. An experiment on some ard, made from the leaves of the African palm, the result of which was, that the rength of the African cord is to that of bempen cord as 53 to 43. 5. The reduction of the duties on certain articles of Atricm produce in consequence of the represenLions of the Directors. 6. A letter from Colonel Maxwell, the governor of Senegal, affunding some faint hope that the celebrated traveller, Mungo Parke, may yet be in existence. To put the matter beyond doubt, Colonel Maxwell had engaged the very jeansho had been Mr. Parke's guide as far as Sansanding, on the Niger, to go in quest of linn, promising him a thousand dolLas if he should tud Mr. Parke. It is CRAIST. OBSERV. No. 101.

*

certain that no authentic accounts have been received of Mr. Parke's death. 7. A communication from the Gold Coast, by which it appears, that, although the beneficial effects which might have been expected from the Abolition of the Slave Trade had been greatly impeded by its continuance, though on a reduced scale, by other nations; yet, that accusations for witchcraft, prelatory wars, &c. are less frequent than formerly, the inhabitants more industrious, and personal security increased; and that if greater good has not been produced, it has been owing to the degree in which the Slave Trade is continued, and which, though small when compared with its former extent, yet keeps alive on the coast kidnapping and other mal-practices that otherwise would cease. 8. An account of the benevolent and successful interference of Mr. Roscoe of Liverpool, in rescuing nine negro seamen from a state of slavery and oppression, in consequence of which the magistrates of Liverpool have a lopted regulations which are likely to prevent the recurrence of such atrocities.

The funds of the institution are still low. They amounted on the 1st of January last only to 3,500l. We were much gratified by an instance of unostentatious liberality in a Quaker, who, concealing his name, has subscribed five hundred guincas "for the exclusive purpose of promoting civilization by informing the ninds and improving the moral habits of the natives of Africa."

The Appendix contains much useful information on various points which are briefly adverted to in the Report. The " Queries relative to Anica," would furnish valuable suggestions to travellers of all descriptions.

TOLERATION ACT.

During the last session of Parliament, a motion was made by Lord Sidmouch for a return of the number of dissenting preachers, and dissenting places of worship, liceased under the Toleration Act, from the year 1760 to the present time. This motion, the object of which was not very distinctly stated by his Lordship, appears to have excred considerable alarm among the dissenters; although we cannot but think the aisle. reasonable, because it is not to be believed, whatever ends Lord Sidmewhaylae bad in view, that it was in his cont, imp: tie v attempt so impracticable a messtue of abridging the boundaries of toks reinen d the rights of conscience. Indeen, te tinctly disavowed any such mention.

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The returns, however, it correct, are cal. culated to answer an important purpice, 25

which probably was contemplated neither by his Lordship nor by any one else, and which appears to have surprized even those who have been regarded as most familiar with the subject. We mean, that it is calculated to shew how much the number and influence of dissenters have been overrated. The number of dissenting teachers who have been licensed during the half century which the motion embraces is stated to be only 3672. The number of places of worship which have been licensed in the same time is stated to be 12161. This disparity, however, is very satisfactorily accounted for by the editors of the Evangelical Magazine, who state that it is no unusual thing for the same dissenting congregation, as it progressively enlarges, to have several licences, first for a private house, 'then for a barn, then for a small meetinghouse, and lastly for a larger; and that even for many Sunday schools licences have been obtained.

Now it does appear to us, when all the multifarious sects in this country are considered; the different classes of methodists, the independents, the baptists, the presbyterians-omitting others; that 3672 is a very small number of lirences to have been granted to their teachers in fifty years, which is not above three, on the average, in two years to each county. The space which they have filled in the public eye, therefore, is to be ascribed more to their zeal and activity-qualities in which it beloves us closely to imitate them, -than to their actual numbers. We trust, therefore, that, if any of our political or ecclesiastical leaders have been disposed to feel alarm in the prospect of the vast increase which has been attributed to these bodies, they will for the present forego that alarm, and apply their preventive measures, where alone they are likely to be effectual, in supplying additional places of worship, proportioned to the increased population of the country; but, above all, in exciting the zeal and diligence, and cherishing the piety, of the parochial clergy.

EAST INDIES.

Accounts are said to be received from the Baptist Missionaries in India of a favourable kind, as they respect the progress of the mission both among the natives, and the Portuguese catholics at Calcutta and other places. The new Testament in the Orissa language having been finished, they were about to undertake a mission to that quarter. At Rangoon the missionaries have made such progress in acquiring the Burman language as to be able to converse with the na tives about religion,

By accounts from the Malabar coast, it appears that the printing of the Malayalim version of the Scriptures was proceeding. The Gospel of St. Matthew had been fi

nished.

MISSIONS of the UNITED BRETHREN. (Continued from p. 248.).

SURINAM.

In the Diary of the Mission among the free negroes at New Bambey, we have met with nothing which requires any particular notice. From that of the Mission among the negro slaves at Paramaribo, we shall make a few extracts.

"1809, May 2d.-Towards evening this colony had the satisfaction to see our new Governor-general, Charles Bentinck, Esq. arrive from England. The different boards and corporations having in the following days presented their congratulations, Brether Wied, on the 5th, delivered an address from us, requesting his Excellency to protect and favour the Missions of our church in this land, with assurances of our loyalty and gratitude for the kindness with which, hitherto, our missionary labours among the negroes and Indians had been protected by the British government. His Excellency assured Brother Wied of his favourable disposition towards us and our Missions."

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26th, was the funeral of a departed communicant, Brother Alexander Bosst When he came to see us, we bad but slender hopes of his conversion. He had much to boast of, and seemed a self-conceited old heathen, proud of what he called the perity and goodness of his heart. He declared, however, that the word of God sounded sweet to him, and therefore thought himself a fit subject for baptism and admission to the Lord's Supper. Indeed most of the negroes on their first application to unite with us, have, in their degree, the same good opinion of themselves. The doctrine of the total depravity of the heart of man, and the necessity of conversion by the help of an Almighty Redeemer, was new and displeasing to him, and he often left us with disgust. But he could not help returning, and, by the infinite patience and faithfulness of the Lord and his Spirit, his eyes were opened, and he was at length brought to acknowledge himself a miserable sinner, and to fly to the cross and death of Jesus as his only refuge. Now he began to love, as one to whom much forgiven; he became cheerful and humble, and his walk was that of a true believer. In his old age and infirm state, his confidence was in his Saviour, with whom he longed to be,"

*June 18th.—The remains of the communicant negro, Sister Charlotte were interred. She was baptized and admitted to the Holy Communion in 1806. She, with three of her near relations, who long ago became members of our congregation, was descended from a royal African family. Her temper was naturally remarkably good and kind, and she possessed a very engaging address. For a considerable time, she refused to follow the good example of her relations, and shewed great contempt for their change of religion, but, by the power of God, she also was convinced of ber lost estate, and began to ask, What she should do to be saved: and the Lord had mercy upon her. All who visited her in her last illness (both whites and blacks) were editied by her conversation. When she perceived that her end approached, she exclaimed, *My Lord and my God! if my hour is "come, take me to Thyself to rest for ever "at Thy feet." Every one, who knew her, respected and loved her for her uprightness of character. This was plainly shewn by

the interest they took in her departure, and the large company that followed her to the grave, notwithstanding the violent rain.”

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"22d.-Brother Wied having made an extract of the edifying reports lately received from Labrador, and translated it into the Negro language, he began this evening to read it to the communicants, giving them first a description of the Esquimaux, their country, and the labours of the Brethren's Missionaries among them. We pray, that our people may be anew enlivened and benefited by such examples."

"July 23d.-Rev. Mr. Van Esch, lately called to be the Calvinist minister here, preached his first sermon. Brother Hoch attended, and gave us an encouraging account of the clearness with which he delivered the truths of the Gospel. On the 25th, he, with several friends, attended our evening-meeting. He afterwards expressed his joy to see so much attention among the negroes, and his best wishes for our pros perity."

VIEW OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS.

CONTINENTAL INTELLIGENCE.

LITTLE has occurred on the continent durng the present month which deserves notare, if we except the whimsical marriage of 6,000 soldiers to 6,000 young women, to each of whom a dowry of about 251. was allotted by Bonaparte; with a view, we apprehend, of giving an eclat to his own marriage, and somewhat reconciling his subjects to that unprincipled transaction. He and his new empress have visited Antwerp, and are supposed to be now in Holland or Flanders.

A long account is given in the Moniteur of a plot formed to liberate Ferdinand VII. from the castle in which he is at present tonfined, but which was frustrated by the discovery and apprehension of the chief agent. The examination of this agent, and the papers found on him, if we could suppose them genuine, would leave no room to question that he acted under the sanction of the British Government. We were disposed, however, to believe them to be a mere fabrication, till the refusal of Mr. Perceval in the House of Commons to answer a question put to him on the subject gave

countenance

to a contrary supposition. Among these papers, there is inserted a letter from Ferdinand to the officer in whose

custody he is placed, complaining of his situation, and requesting that he may be removed to some other place; and intimating his wish to become the adopted son of Napóleon. This letter is probably a preparatory step to some measure in favour of this rela

tion of the house of Austria.

The French Government, so long ago as the 11th of March last, issued a decree against American commerce; by which all American property, wherever it may be found, either in France or in places under the influence of France, is ordered to be condemned, the proceeds to be paid into the hands of the French government, to be dealt with according to circumstances. The alleged ground of this tyrannical decree is the act of the Americau legislature, which directed that no ships of war belonging either to Great Britain or France should be admitted into the ports of America. This measure fur nishes a very significant contrast to the conduct which this country pursued on the same occasion, and its force cannot fail to be felt in America. The French decree was not

known in Londen until the 22d inst.: it was kept secret, probably to allow time for its reaching America first.

The commercial regulations adopted in Holland seem to prove, as we ventured to suggest in our last number, that Bonaparte's schemes are directed to the depression of the English trade and shipping, and the encouragement of those of the continent; and it is to be feared, that the system adopted by this country, of granting licences almost indiscriminately to foreign ships to bring hither the produce of the continent, is directly calculated to forward the views of our enemy. Almost every article of continental growth or manufacture may be exported from the ports of Holland. Indeed, every vessel which leaves those ports is obliged to have a cargo of those articles on board. On the other hand, all colonial produce, and all merchandize proceeding from the soil and manufac tures of England, are strictly excluded.-The following are the only goods permitted to be imported: naval stores of all kinds, drugs, Russia tallow, train oil, specie and metals of all kinds, potash, mats, shumack, myrtle wood, ivy, and wainscotting. It will be seen, therefore, that while, by our system of licences, we afford a free vent to the pro'ductions and manufactures of the continent, by which they are brought into competition with our own in the market of the world; Bonaparte carefully shuts out whatever may give encouragement to our industry, and limits his imports to raw materials, none of which are the produce of Great Britain, except, perhaps, lead, copper, and tin.

We have beard much of late of the successes which have attended the Spanish

cause. But we are wholly unable to trace
in the map of Spain any of the effects of
success. In the north, Astorga has been
taken by the French, who have advanced in
force to Ciudad Rodrigo, and were, by the
last accounts, within sight of the English
army. In the south, though they have rais
ed the siege of Valencia, yet Carthagena, it
is said, will certainly fall into their hands.
The ships of war lying in the barbour have
quitted it, bringing with them a great num-
ber of the inhabitants. Cadiz is closely in-
vested, and the fort of Matagorda has been
forced, though most gallantly defended, t●
yield to a bombardment. In short, the whole
of Spain is in the hands of the enemy, ex-
cepting a few places on its skirts. The great
object seems now to be, to provoke Lord Wel-
lington to advance: to effect this, bodies of
men approach within sight, and when any
movement is made by the English they re-
tire. They also threaten the siege of places
which they hope the English will be induc-
ed to relieve. They taunt Lord Wellington
with his inactivity, and endeavour to repre-
sent it as a cowardly and selfish desertion of
the Spanish cause. Doubtless they endca-
vour, at the same time, to give a false in-
pression of their own numbers, in order to
veil their real purposes. In the mean time
there is in Cadiz a powerful garrison of
30,000 men.

There are strong indications of its being the intention of France, in conjunction with her allies, to make an attack on the Ottoman empire. Great disorder reigns at the sam time in Constantinople and in the Illyrian provinces.

GREAT BRITAIN.

PARLIAMENTARY PROCEEDINGS.

1. We said so much in our last number on the case of Sir Francis Burdett, and on the question which he has raised respecting the privileges of the House of Commons, that we shall not deem it necessary to go at present into much det il on that subject. In the action he has brought against the Speaker, he has laid his damages at 30,0001. and in that against the Serjeant-at-Arms at 20,000l. He has likewise entered an action against Earl Moura, the constable of the Tower, for false imprisonment. A committee was appointed by the Commons to search for precedenis, as well as to-consider the best course to be pursued on this new occasion. Their report, which has been adopted, recommends that the Speaker and Serjeant should appear

in Court, and plead, that what they did, b ing in obedience to the orders of the Hous of Commons, was not only strictly legal, ta was not to be questioned in the courts hele Former precedents would have justi them in recommending that the attorne who had served the notice, should be ca mitted; but this course was thought na viseable, inasmuch as the privileges at t House appearing to admit of no doubt, would be, on the whole, advantageous nut have obstructed the opponents of those p vileges in their attempts by course of law invalidate them.

In the various discussions which La taken place in the House of Commons this important subject, and which have. conducted with great temper, we have '» happy to see an almost entire concurrens

sentiment among the various parties who compose it. No one has spoken upon it more ably or more decidedly than Mr. Ponsonby, the present leader of the opposition, who not only shewed that the law and the practice hitherto had uniformlyrecognized the privileges of the House of Commons, and, among others, their right of committal for a breach of those privileges; but that the existence of these privileges was indispensably necessary, both to the exercise of the high functions of the House, and to the maintenance even of general liberty. These discussions have tended geatly to enlighten the public mind; and we are persuaded, that the prevailing and increasing sentiment, both in and out of parliament, among persons of intelligence, is, that the privileges claimed by the House of Commous ought to be maintained with the most jealous care; although, at the same time, there are probably few who do not wish that their exercise should be limited to cases in which the interference of the House is by circumstances rendered unavoidable. The case of John Gale Jones does not appear to us to have been one of that description

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2. Petitions have been presented to the House of Commons from the Livery of London, the inhabitants of Westminster, and the freeholders of Middlesex, which with more propriety may be called remonstrances, applying for the liberation of Sir F. Burdett and Mr. Gale Jones, complaining of the proceedings of the House, and also of its constitution, and demanding reform. In the subject matter of these petitions there certainly was nothing which rendered them inadmissible; that from Westminster, therefore, though couched in strong terms, was received. Those from London and Middlesex, however, manifested so clearly an intention of insulting and degrading the House, that they were rejected.

The violence displayed by these petitioners, and the tendency of their proceedings to produce disaffection and disorder, have led in the metropolis to a counter-decla ration on the part of those who entertain more moderate views of constitutional subjects. It declares their determination, while they look to parliament for an economical employment of the national resources, and a gradual reform of existing abuses, to main tain unimpaired the privileges of parliament; to resist all factious attempts at innovation; to place their unshaken confidence in the virtues of the king, the wisdom of the legis lature, and the purity of the judges; and to exert their best endeavours to impress on the minds of all connected with them, a re

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An excess this, over the supply, of 144,203. As to the war taxes, they had last year produced 22,707,000l. The produce of the tax on property actually paid was 13,751,233. of which the assessinent had only been 11,400,000l. This excess consisted of arrears; and such had been the activity used in the collection of them, that there were none now due of a later date than the year 1807. As there could be no reason to think that the property tax in the present year could fall short of 11,400,000l. the war taxes might fairly be reckoned for the year at 19,500,000l. which was a low estimate, as the average produce of the war taxes on customs during the three last years had been upwards of nine millions.

The loan for the present year, of eigh:

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