Page images
PDF
EPUB
[blocks in formation]

The first anniversary of the Broad-way Church Association, Westminster, was held on Thursday evening, January 4th, in the School Room, Horseferry Road; the Rev. Isaac Saunders, M. A. President of the Association, in the chair.

This Association was formed by the teachers of the Westminster Sunday School, under the superintendance of Mr. Saunders. The school consists of about six hundred children of both sexes; and of fifty teachers, male and female, who gratuitously instruct the children committed to their charge. A missionary spirit has long been diffused among them, by reading missionary intelligence; and that spirit has been much increased from the circumstance of two of their own body having actually engaged in the work.

The chairman introduced the Rev. Daniel Corrie, lately returned from Agra.

Mr. Corrie detailed a variety of circumstances which he had witnessed, as illustrative of the ignorance, superstition, and cruelty of the people of India. It was not possible, he observed, to describe the lamentable state into which they were fallen. He remarked, with great effect, that he had seen the smoke of the funeral pile, on which women sacrificed themselves with the dead bodies of their husbands, ascend towards heaven, and aged parents taken by their children to expire on the banks of the Ganges.

BAPTIST MISSION.-At Bristol, on the 6th of October, Mr. Thomas Griffiths, a Missionary Student in the Baptist Academy at Bristol, was appointed to proceed to Ceylon, to assist Mr. Chater, the Baptist Missionary resident in that island.

WESLEYAN METHODIST MISSIONS.Six Missionaries are appointed to Ceylon and the East.

Rome, Jan. 18.-The Congregation of Foreign Missions labours with the greatest zeal to re-establish its relations with various parts of the world. One of the most happy results, undoubtedly, is the special protection which its members have obtained from China and Abyssinia.

They write from Pekin, that the Em

peror, having received a report from the Tribunal of Rites of the sentences passed against the Jesuis, wrote at the bottom of the report, with his red, or indelible pencil, "Let the edict of the 11th "January, 1724, cease to be the law of "the empire. There is only one God, " and this God cannot be offended with "the diversity of names which are given "to him. Any thing written with the "red pencil can never be recalled: decrees "in other colours may be altered." According to this imperial decision, the Edicts of Toleration of the Great Emperor Kang-Hi, of 1672, and that of 1711, have been again transcribed from the Tribunal of Rites, and transmitted, sealed with the great seal, covered with yellow satin, to Dom Gaspaed della Cruse, a Portuguese. It is remarkable that it was a Dominican of this name, and of the same nation, who, in 1536, was the first to introduce the Christian religion into China. Nothing can be more agreeable to the Court of Rome, than to see the Christian religion introduced into so extensive an empire as that of China, at a period, in particular, when most of the princes of Europe, by proclaiming the toleration of religion in countries essentially Catholic, seem to slacken the ties which united them to the Holy See. His Holiness received with the most lively joy this pleasing intelligence. Father della Cruse had the honour to be presented to him by his Eminence the Cardinal Secretary of State, along with the four novice Chinese Jesuits, who were conducted to the audience-chamber by M. Concellieu, director of the Propaganda. We are assured that the edicts of the Chinese Emperor reached our Court through the Portuguese ambassador.Twelve Jesuits will be sent to China in the spring. His Holiness has addressed a brief felicitation to the Emperor of China, to thank him. We are even assured that a bull will be issued, to regulate the discipline of the Chinese churches.

Hamburgh papers of the 20th January contain intelligence from St. Petersburgh of the 3rd. All the members of the Order of the Jesuits, who were in this capital, "say they," have received orders to leave it in twenty-four hours, They have brought upon themselves this banishment, by making proselytes, even among respectable families.'--See page 195.

AGRA.

The following are further extracts from the Journal of Mr. Bowley, (See page 181.)

Spoke to one who had been in the habit of hearing the scriptures. He said he dared not say a word against them, for

that his conscience witnessed to their being holy, just, and good; and that they generally leave an impression which continues for two or three days; but, on opening his mind to the learned of the Mahometan religion, he finds himself somewhat satisfied that they are not altogether wrong. The point on which he dwelt was, that, surely among so many clever men of his profession, it was not possible for the whole of them to be deceived.'

[ocr errors]

Accompanied a friend to a place where upward of seventy devotees of the Vishnu tribe, for these few days, have taken up their lodging. Most of them were naked, except a slip of net-work, about three inches broad, about them, with a thick rope; some with rattans twisted together; and others (and these are the only people of the kind whom I ever observed in this country) had a frame of wood-work, just sufficient to measure round their waist, to keep up the network. Many of them had their backs and bellies scorched with the fire which they constantly use to keep off the cold. We saw several couples asleep, with a fire of logs of wood between them. Their bodies were rubbed over with ashes, and their faces whitened as with chunam lime. We spent two hours in conversation with them. Some of them gave us a patient hearing; but, in general, they were not inclined to talk.'

It is truly grievous to see how parties of men and women prostrate themselves before these people, and say that the gods are in them!

At a Christian friend's I read to some natives on the miracles of our Lord. A few of them come from an adjoining village, and appear much delighted that the Son of God should take on himself our nature to satisfy divine vengeance for our sins. They are much disposed to talk on the subjects which they hear.'

Went with a Christian friend to the Joggees, upward of seventy present. Conversed with the chief part of them, but especially with their leader; although he denied his rank-I know not for what reason, unless that he suspected we were for exposing his craft. Many of his disciples gathered round to hear us, but he soon left us upon a pretence that he had occasion to go out. These people are adored by the learned as well as the illiterate of the Hindoos, and are like stalled horses, provided with all things to superfluity by the rich natives in the city. I fear they will not be willing to decamp soon, whilst they are thus supplied, and many others will doubtless be tempted to follow the same craft.'

C Spent about two hours with the Fa queers. An old woman, supposed to be

not far from her latter end, was brought before these deceivers, in order to secure her salvation. After first presenting a few pice, she bowed down before them, and was permitted to touch the leader's feet, while he pronounced her blessed.'

We could not be silent, but spake especially to the aged matron and her followers, on the insufficiency of any man whatever to redeem a soul; but that God of his infinite mercy, had laid help upon one mighty to save to the uttermost all those who come to God through him. They seemed attentive.'

In returning, came across a person who had some seers of otta, &c. mixed and made up into balls, to be given to the cows, or thrown into the river: this he said, would atone for his father, who had died but a few days ago. I endeavoured to impress on him a sense of the guilt which he himself incurred by making an ill use of God's bounty, while hundreds of his fellow creatures were starving for food; and urged him to leave the dead man alone, and to prepare for his own salvation.'

This forenoon a Faqueer, who heard us yesterday, came to my place to argue. Though he pretended that he had read the Shasters, I found to-day that he knew not even the letters; and yet he began to cry down all learning, saying that books only tended to bewilder people, and that to know God within us was the only way to happiness.'

He was so self-conceited as to his own righteousness, that he did not remain long after a few questions were put to him on the infinite justice of God.'

For these several days past, the Faqueers have been preparing great feasts, and will hardly condescend to answer us.'

In spite of all that can be said or done, they still think us their bitterest enemies. These people do not even appear sincere in what they profess. I spoke to several boys, who have been drawn into these snares, but to little purpose; they even seem to have lost the natural affection implanted in us.'

This afternoon, for the first time, we had a favourable opportunity and great encouragement to speak to the Devotees. Seeing us constantly visit them, they began to entertain a better opinion of us than before, and asked about our religion and our hopes. We embraced the opportunity, and spoke to them on the fall of man, and the redemption of sinners by Jesus Christ alone. My Christian friend had a separate concourse of those who came to adore these people,'

'We spoke to a few, who answered unreasonably, till a Brahmin drew up, and approved of what he heard, saying it carried conviction with it, and that a

[merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small]

CONVENTION RELATIVE TO THE CUSTODY OF BUONAPARTE.

In the Name of the Most Holy and Undivided Trinity.

NAPOLEON BUONAPARTE being in the power of the Allied Sovereigns, their Majesties the King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, the Emperor of Austria, the Emperor of Russia, and the King of Prussia, have agreed in virtue of the stipulations of the Treaty of 25th March, 1815, upon the measures most proper to render all enterprize impossible, on his part, against the repose of Europe.--[Then follow the names of the Plenipotentiaries.]

Art. I. Napoleon Buonaparte is considered by the Powers who have signed the Treaty of the 25th March last, as their prisoner.

Art. II. His custody is especially entrusted to the British Government.

The choice of the place, and of the measures which can best secure the object of the present stipulation, are reserved to his Britannick Majesty.

Art. III. The Imperial Courts of Austria and Russia, and the Royal Court of Prussia, are to appoint Commissioners to proceed to, and abide at the place to which the Government of his Britannick Majesty shall have assigned for the residence of Napoleon Buonaparte, and who without being responsible for his custody, will assure themselves of his presence.

Art. IV. His most Christian Majesty is to be invited, in the name of the four above-mentioned Courts, to send in like manner a French Commissioner to the place of detention of Napoleon Buonaparte.

Art. V. His Majesty the King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, binds himself to fulfil the engagements which fall to him by the present Convention.

Art. VI. The present Convention shall he ratified, and the ratifications shall be exchanged within fifteen days, or sooner if possible.

In faith whereof, the respective Plenipotentiaries have signed the present Convention, and have affixed thereto the seals of their arms.

Done at Paris, the 21st August, in the year of our Lord 1815,

[blocks in formation]

MILITARY CONVENTION.

War Department, Downing-street, 7th July, 1815.-Captain Lord Arthur Hill, arrived last night with dispatches addressed to Earl Bathurst by His Grace the Duke of Wellington, dated from Gonesse the 2d and 4th of this month, of which the following are extracts and copies.

Gonesse, 2d July, 1815.-The enemy attacked the advanced guards of Marshal Prince Blucher at Villers Cotterets on the 28th; but the body of the army having come up, he was repulsed with the loss of 6 pieces of cannon & about 1,000 prisoners.

It appears that these troops were on march from Soissons to Paris, and having been expulsed from that route by the Prussian troops at Villers Cotterets, they took that of Meaux. They were again attacked on that route by General Bulow, who took 500 prisoners from them and drove them beyond the Marne. They have however reached Paris.

The advanced guard of the army I commanded, passed the Oise on the 29th, and the whole passed on the 30th, aud yesterday we took up a position, the right on the heights of Richebourg, and the left, on the forest of Bondy.

Field Marshal Prince Blucher, after having taken the village d'Aubervilliers, on the Vertus in the morning of the 30th of June, made a movement on its right, and passed the Seine at St. Germains, whilst I advanced. He will have his right to day at Plesis piquet, his left at St. Cloud, and his reserve at Versailles.

The enemy has fortified the heights of Montmartre, and the town of St. Dennis ; and by means of the small rivers of Ronillon and la Vielle Mer, he has inundated the land north of that city, and the water having been introduced into the canal, l'Ourcq and the borders, formed into parapets and batteries, he has a strong position on this side of Paris.

The heights of Belleville are also well fortified; but I have not learnt that any works of defence have been raised on the left of the Seine.

recommend him to your favour and protection.

I have the honour to be, &c. &c.
(Signed) WELLINGTON.

Having united in Paris all the troops remaining after the battle of the 18th, and the depots of all the army, it is believed that the enemy has about 40 or 50,000 men in troops of the line and guards, besides the national guards, a new levy called les Tirailleurs de la garde, and the Fédérés.

I have great pleasure in informing your Lordship, that le Quesnoy surrendered to His Royal Highness Prince Frederick of the Netherlands on the 29th of June.

I subjoin a copy of the report of His Royal Highness on this subject, by which your Lordship will see with satisfaction, the intelligence and energy with which this young Prince has conducted that affair.

Gonesse, July 4,1815.-My Lord, FieldMarshal Prince Blucher experienced a strong resistance on the part of the enemy, whilst taking the position on the left of the Seine, which I mentioned in my dispatch of the 3d of this month, as having that day been proposed to be taken by him, particularly on the heights of St. Cloud and Meudon; but the valour of the Prussian troops under General Ziethen has sui mounted all obstacles, and have finally succeeded in establishing themselves on the heights of Meudon, and in the village d'Issy. The French again attacked them at Issy on the 3d. at three o'clock in the morning, hut they were repelled with a considerable loss; and seeing that Paris was thien open on its vulnerable side, that the communication was opened between the allied armies, by a bridge which I had established at Argenteuil, and that a body of English troops were also proceeding on the left of the Seine, towards the bridge of the Neuilly, the enemy sent to request that the fire might cease on both sides of the Seine, towards negociating a military convention between the armies, in the palace of St. Cloud, in virtue of which the French army will evacuate Paris.

In consequence, officers on both sides assembled at St. Cloud, and I herewith annex a copy of the military convention which was last night concluded, and ratified by Marshal Prince Blucher and myself, and by the Prince of Eckmuhl on the part of the French army.

This Convention decides all military questions that actually existed here, and embraces no political question.

General Lord Hill has gone to take possession of the posts, this day evacuated by the Convention, and I propose taking possession of Montmartre to

morrow.

I forward this dispatch by my Aid-decamp Captain Lord Arthur Hill via Calais. He can inform your Lordship of further particulars, and I beg leave to

CONVENTION.

This day, July 3, the Commissioners appointed by the Commanders in Chief of the respective armies, viz. Baron Bignon, charged with the portefeuille of Foreign Affairs; Count Guilleminot, Chief of the Staff of the French army; the Count of Bondy, Prefet of the Department of the Seine; provided with full powers from Marshal Prince of Eckmuhl, Commander in Chief of the French army on the one part, Major-General Maffling, provided with full powers from His Highness Field Marshal Prince Blucher, Commander in Chief of the Prussian army; and Colonel Harvey provided with full powers from His Excellency the Duke of Wellington, Commander in Chief of the British army, on the other part, have agreed to the following articles :

Art. 1.-There shall be a suspension of arms between the Allied armies, commanded by His Highness Prince Blucher, and His Grace the Duke of Wellington; and the French army under the walls of Paris.

Art. 2.-The French army shall commence its march to-morrow, to take its position behind the Loire.-Paris shall be entirely evacuated in three days, and the movement behind the Loire shall be effected in eight days.

Art. 3.-The French army shall take with it, all its material, or field artillery, its military chests, horses, and regimental property without exception. All persons attached to the depots, shall also be taken away, as well as those belonging to the different branches of the administration of the army.

Art. 4.-The sick and wounded, and the officers of health, whom it shall be necessary to leave with them, shall be under the special protection of the Commanders in Chief of the British and Prussian armies.

Art. 5.-The military, and persons employed, whom the preceding article concerns, shall be at liberty immediately after their recovery, to re-join the corps to which they belong.

Art. 6.-The women and children of all the individuals, belonging to the French army, shall be at liberty to remain at Paris. The married women may leave Paris to rejoin the army, and take with them their property, and that of their husbands.

Art. 7.-The officers of the line, employed with the Federates, or with the Tirailleurs of the National Guard, may either rejoin the army, or return to their homes, or their native country.

Art. 8-To-morrow, July 4, at twelve o'clock, St. Dennis, St. Ouen, Clerly, and Neuilly, shall be surrendered. The day after to-morrow, the 5th, at the same hour, Montmartre shall be given up. The. third day, (the 6th) all the barriers shall be surrendered.

Art. 9.The service of the city of Paris, shall continue to be done by the National Guard and by the corps of the Municipal Gendarmerie.

Art. 10.-The Commanders in Chief of the British and Prussian army, engage to respect, and to cause to be respected by the subordinates, the actual authorities so long as they continue.

Art. 11. Public property, with the exception of that which is warlike, whether belonging to Government, or depending on the municipal authorities, shall be respected; and the allied powers shall not interfere in any manner in their admini

stration or direction.

Art. 12.-Private persous and property shall be equally respected. The inhabitants, and all individuals generally who shall be in the capital, shall continue to enjoy their rights and liberties, without being sought after, whether on account of the employments they hold or have held, or on account of their conduct, or political opinions.

Art.13.-The foreign troops shall place no obstacle to the provisioning of the capital; they shall, on the contrary, protect the arrival and free circulation of the articles that shall be destined for it.

Art. 14. The present Convention shall be observed, and taken for the rule of mutual relations, until the conclusion of peace. In case of rupture, it must be denounced in the usual form, at least ten days previously.

Art. 15.-Should difficulties supervene in the execution of any of the articles of the present Convention, the interpretation shall be made in favour of the French army and the city of Paris.

Art. 16. The present Convention is declared common to all the allied armies, provided it be ratified by the powers on whom those armies depend.

Art. 17.-The ratifications shall be exchanged to-morrow, July 4, at six o'clock in the morning, at the bridge of Neuilly.

Art. 18.-Commissioners shall be appointed on both sides to superintend the execution of the present Convention.

Done and signed at St. Cloud, in triplicate, by the above-named Commissioners, the day and year above mentioned.

Le Baron BIGNON.

Le Comte GUILLEMINOT.
Le Comte de BONDY.

Le Baron de MAFFLING.
F. B. HARVEY, Colonel.

The present suspension of arms ap

proved and ratified at Paris, July the 3d, 1815.

BLUCHER. WELLINGTON.

- Approuvé. Le Maréchal Prince d'Eckmuhl.

MANIFESTO.

By the Grace of God, We, Alexander the First, Emperor and Autocrat of all the Russias, &c. hereby make known

As we have seen from experience, and from the unhappy consequences that have resulted for the whole. world, that the course of the political relations in Europe between the powers, has not been founded on those true principles upon which the wisdom of God in his revelations has founded the peace and prosperity of nations,

with their Majesties the Emperor of We have consequently, in conjunction Austria, Francis the First, and the King of Prussia, Frederick William, proceeded to form an alliance between us, (to which the other Christian Powers are invited to accede) in which we reciprocally engage, both between ourselves and in respect of our subjects, to adopt, as the sole means to attain this end, the principle drawn from the words and doctrine of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who preaches not to live in enmity and hatred, but in peace and love, We hope and implore the blessing of the Most High; may this sacred union be confirmed between all the Powers for their general good, and (deterred by the union of all the rest) may no one dare to fall off from it. We accordingly subjoin a copy of this union, ordering it to be made generally known, and read in all the churches.

St. Petersburgh, on the day of the birth of our Saviour, 25th December, 1815.

Majesty's own hand.
The original is signed by his Imperial
ALEXANDER.

AUTOGRAPH TREATY. Between Austria, Prussia, and Russia. In the name of the Most Holy and Indivisible Trinity.

THEIR Majesties the Emperor of Austria, the King of Prussia, and the Emperor of Russia, having, in consequence of the great events which have marked the course of the three last years in Europe, has pleased Divine Providence to shower and especially of the blessings which it down upon the states which place their confidence and their hope on it alone, acquired the intimate conviction of the necessity of founding the conduct to be observed by the Powers, in their reciprocal relations, upon the sublime truths which the holy religion of our Saviour teaches, They solemnly declare, that the pre

« PreviousContinue »