semblies. The Presbyterian form of Church government must, therefore, have been introduced before this period.

ed to the unprincipled, as lures to accuse Church on the Genevan plan of government and betray the innocent. "The better to disco- and worship mentioned was organized ver heritics, (is the language of one of the pla- in the Netherlands. The reward above cards) the half of their estates (not exceed which was set on the head of a Minister, ing one hundred pounds Flemish,) is promised Elder, or Deacon, was published in 1559; to their accusers; if it exceed that sum, then, and in 1561 we find, that the psalms of Beza besides the half, they shall enjoy the tenth pen-were commonly sung in the Reformed Asny of the remainder." At Antwerp, for the better detection of heretics, the government set eight hundred guilders on the head of a Minister, and fifty on that of an Elder, Deacon, or other officer of the Protestant assemblies. But in the execution of their bloody sentences, they met with difficulties which gradually increased upon them; for the constancy of the sufferers excited such compassion in the minds of the people, so frequently witnesses of it, that many of them did not hesitate openly to pity and comfort the poor creatures as they were led to the stake. So, that when some of them were apprehended in the fact, and presently sentenced to a similar punishment, it did so litthe terrify those who were persuaded, that this cruel but short pain was the sure way to eternal bliss that as their companions were going to die, they all joined with them in singing psalms as loud as they could, and in such numbers as rendered it unsafe to

seize them.

In 1561 Guido De Bres, with the assistance of Adrian Saravia, drew up a Confession of Faith, which was printed in 1653.-It was entitled A Confession of faith, generally and unanimously maintained by the Believers, dispersed throughout the Low Countries. This confession De Bres communicated to such Ministers as he could find desiring them, to correct what they thought amiss in it, so that it might not be considered as the work of one man. It differed in almost every article from the doctrines of Popery; and in some respects from the Augsburg Confession, particularly on the subject of the Lord's Supper. From that of the Anabaptists it differed in the articles of Baptism and the Incarnation. It agreed in general with the confession of the French Churches; whence, in imitation of them, those who embraced it, gave themselves the distinguishing title of the REFORMED. Others assumed the name of Calvinists. Before this period the Reformed of the Low Countries had adopted the London Catechisms, both the greater and less.

The common people now began to call for a meeting of the Assembly of the States, in order that these domestic convulsions might be composed; but the Dutchess of Parma defeated their desires and expectations.

An affecting anecdote is related by one of the historians of these scenes. 66 At Dixmude, in Flanders, one Walter Capel was brought into trouble for his religious opinions. He was a very generous man and bountiful to the poor; among whom he had often fed a poor simple creature who was maintained by the alms of the town, and passed for a changeling. When he was condemned to death, this fool cried out to the judges, ye are murderers; ye spill innocent The Nobles about this period entered into blood. The man has done no ill, but has always a secret coalition against the Cardinal De given me bread. And whilst Capel was at Granville, and his ambitious designs; and the stake, he would have thrown himself they publicly deputed the Lord Montigny to into the fire if he had not been hindered.— give the king an account of the state affairs. Nor did his gratitude die with his patron; The mission terminated in disappointment. for he went daily to the gallows-field where A new Placard was also published for the the half burnt carcase was fastened to the suppression of prohibited books, and private stake, and there he stroked the flesh of the religious meetings. De Granville was at dead man with his hand saying, Ah! poor length so detested by the Nobles, that the creature, you did no harm; and yet they have Prince of Orange, and the counts of Egspilt your blood. You gave me my fill of vict- mont and Horn, absented themselves from reals. And some time after this, when the the meetings of the State Council, and reflesh was all consumed, he went again to presented to the king in writing, that he the stake, pulled away the bones, and lay-was in danger of losing the Netherlands ing them upon his shoulders, carried them unless the cardinal was removed. to the house of the Burgomasters, with Prince of Orange, fearlessly, faithfully, and whom as it happened, several others of the frequently protested before the Dutchess in magistracy were then present; and casting council, against the severity of the king's the bones at their feet, he cried out in a tone measures. He also laid several written reof bitter reproach, There, you murderers, you presentations to the same effect before the have first eaten his flesh; now eat his bones. king himself; but Philip was inexorable.→→→ Words which were too sensible for a fool, Viewing his cruelty and obstinacy with disand too bold for a man of understanding; gust, the Prince of Orange, and many of the but which probably he had heard others other nobles, were now evidently disposed speak, and which he repeated without know-to favour the Reformation. The Prince ing or fearing the danger." again expostulated with the Regent, and offered the resignation of his office, declas

It is difficult to ascertain when the first

The

ring himself unable, as a conscientious man, to execute the royal mandates. Complaints against the Placards and the Inquisition, and petitions for their abolition were also sent in to Margaret, from almost every part of the country; but they were addressed to hearts relentless as the grave.

In 1556, the first Reformed Synod met at Antwerp; and among other acts we find, the revision and publication of the Confession of Faith, formerly published by De Bres. An apologetic letter was also addressed by the Synod to the king, exhibiting their views and principles, and imploring his indulgence and support. The meeting of the Synod was soon after followed by a confederacy of the Nobles, who solemnly bound themselves to oppose the Inquisition, as subversive of the rights and liberties of the nation, under whatsoever pretexts it might be established. It was not long before the confederate Nobles appeared in arms, and presented their famous petition to the Dutchess; which they afterwards also transmitted by two of their deputies to the king. This procedure raised the resentment of Philip to the highest degree; and at a subsequent period was charged against several of their number, and punished as a capital offence.

Meanwhile religious meetings became very frequent through the whole country. The Reformed, probably in consequence of the support of the nobles, assembled themselves without fear, and thus made a discovery of their numbers. Public preaching first spread itself throughout all West Flanders; passed from thence into Brabant, and at length it became common in the other provinces. It commenced in the woods and forests; then it proceeded to the plains and open places; and thence to villages, little towns, and the suburbs of cities. The first meetings were held without arms; but being threatened and disturbed, they armed themselves with sticks and staves, and at last defended themselves with swords, pistols, and muskets. The Popish writers tell us, that the first public Assembly of the Reformed was held on the 14th June, 1566,

wagon, which was occupied by the fearless Herman Stryker. After sermon the whole congregation united in singing several psalms. They likewise drew some water out of a well, and baptized an infant. Two days were spent in similar religious exercises, after which they adjourned to meet at Deinsen, and from thence to another village, and thus they travelled from place to place through all West Flanders. Some time previous to this, Peter Dathenus had translated the Psalms of Merat and Beza, into Low Dutch, and published them with a dedication to all the Netherland congregations and their pastors, groaning under the cross. These Psalms were soon after universally used in the public worship of the Reformed Churches.

[To be continued.]

Increasing Liberality.-The committee appointed by the last General Assembly to confer with a similar committee to be appointed by the Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, and propose a plan of correspondence, reported that they met a committee of the latter Church in the city of New-York on the 30th Dec. last, consisting of the Rev. Alexander M'Leod, D. D. Rev. James Christie, and Rev. John Gibson.

The following articles of agreement were agreed upon by them, and now reported to the Assembly.

ARTICLE 1. The G. A. of the Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church lamenting the existing separations between the members of the body of Christ, and believing that all the members of that body being many are one body; and trusting to the word of God that these separations will not be perat a certain place not far from Gant, in petual, do agree to use all scriptural West Flanders. Herman Stryker of Zwol, means in the exercise of patience and formerly a Monk, but then a Minister among prudence to bring their several ecclethe Reformed at Oudenard, was the preach-siastical connexions to uniformity in There were seven thousand persons present at the delivery of his first discourse. doctrine, worship, and order, accordThe Protestants again assembled on the 23ding to the word of God.

er.

of July, in a large meadow near Gant.- ARTICLE 2. In order to bring about Here, fortifying themselves with their wag-this desirable object on the basis of ons, and placing centinels at every ave- the nue, they formed an encampment. Some of proper unity of the visible Church, them brought pikes, some hatchets, and it is mutually covenanted that the others guns. In their front were placed ministers,members, and judicatories of pedlers, who sold prohibited books. Along these churches, treating each other the road they stationed several persons, with Christian respect, shall always

whose business it was to invite and direct

the people to their place of worship. They recognize the validity of each others' constructed a rude pulpit of planks upon a acts, and ordinances consonant to the

scriptures; and yet that any Church ju- | make the heart of the righteous sad, dicatory belonging to either body, may and strengthen the hands of the wickexamine persons, or review cases of ed.' Northern Spectator. discipline, on points at present peculiar, or distinctive to themselves.

The Life of a Missionary. [The fol

ARTICLE 3. The General Assem-lowing paragraph deserves the serious

attention of all the friends of missions bly of the Presbyterian Church and the Synod of the Reformed Presbyte- from the journal of the Rev. John among the heathen. It is extracted rian Church shall severally appoint West, a pious and judicious clergyman, the Hudson's Bay Company, and also who went out, in 1820, as chaplain to under the patronage of the Church Missionary Society.]

two commissioners with an alternate to each, to attend these judicatories respectively, who shall hold their offices till they are suspended by another choice, and these commissioners shall have the privilege of proposing measures important to the Church of Christ and of delivering their opinions on any question under discussion; but they

shall have no vote in its decision.

ARTICLE 4.-In order to carry this last article into effect, the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church will, at their sessions in May, 1826, appoint commissioners who shall attend the succeeding meeting of the Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, provided the said Synod shall have concurred in the above plan of correspondence.

The above report was unanimously adopted, and the plan and correspondence, as above agreed upon, was sanctioned by the General Assembly. Philadelphian.

A Universalist Preacher Converted. We have received a communication which has the sanction of a name, stating that Rev. Aaron Kinsman, who has officiated as pastor of the Universalist congregation for four years past, in the town of Wells, came out on Sunday, the 30th ult. with a full and entire renunciation of his Universalist principles;-and implored the forgiveness of God and his audience for his long continuance in the public dispensation of error. He made his declaration before a very large concourse of people from Wells and the adjoining towns. He declared that he had been in the belief of his doctrine for about 6 years, and had not been aroused till within a few months past; and that it was calculated to

Of all men, the missionary most needs strong faith, with a simple reliance upon the providence and promises of God in the trials that await him. His path is indeed an arduous one. Many unexpected circumstances will oppose his conscientious endeavours to fulfil his calling; and difficulties will surround him in every shape, so as to put his patience, his hopes of usefulness and steady perseverance, severely to the test. He will often exclaim in the deep conviction of his mind, who is sufficient for the great undertaking? Experience in the missionary field has convinced me, that there are indeed but few among a thousand qualified for the difficult and exalted work. If that eminent missionary, St. Paul, abounding in zeal, and in all the graces of the spirit, thought it needful to solicit the prayers of the churches, "that the word of the Lord might run and have free course," how earnest ought our entreaties to be of all friends of missions to "pray for us," who, if we feel aright, must feel our own insignificance, in our labours among the heathen, and in our services to the Christian church, when compared with the labours of the Apostles, or with those of a Swartz, a Brainerd, or a Martyn. Religious Chronicle.

The Jews in Rome, who are confined by law to a particular part of the city, have opened two streets there which are said to surpass in elegance even the Corso. They are filled with stores, where the most valuable cotton and silk goods are exposed for sale.

Literary and Philosophical Notices.

Sketch of Public Affairs.

GREAT BRITAIN.-The grand election strug-son into parliament. The distinguished poet gle is over in Britain. The bribery and corruption were equal to those of any preceding election,if not greater. One elector received a thousand pounds, and a hundred pounds each day during the election, which continued five days. These bribes are conveyed in form of presents; and are given by the candidate, or by his friends, who raise a sum by subscription necessary to carry a per-)

continues; and in some places it encreases to has raged for some time; and after a treaty of an alarming degree. At Blackburn, Manches- peace, the terms of which were not complied ter, and Liverpool, the sufferings of the opera-with by the Burmese, it broke out again. Our tives are dreadful. Many thousands are thrown last advices are by the captain of a vessel from out of employ; and have no means of support- Madras. It appears that a treaty of peace was ing their families. Meetings were held in divers signed between the English and the Burmese, places; at which inflammatory speeches were on the 24th of Februry last. The prisoners had made by desperate men. They called upon their been all restored; and, what we greatly rejoice fellow citizens to seize the arms in gun-shops to hear, the Missionaries are all alive and well. and in barracks; and to right themselves by Dr. Price, the American Missionary, was the taking what they wanted. commissioner who treated with the English, on the part of the Burmese, The terms have been very favourable to the British arms. They retain five provinces; and receive in specie 100 lacs of rupees. The treaty was concluded at Yandaloo, 42 miles below Ava. These conquests, we fondly indulge a hope, will ultimately issue in opening a door into these immense and populous empires for the Missionaries; and thence for the distribution of the Holy Bible, and the extension of the blessings of civilized life and the prostration of Pagan tyranny over the souls and the bodies of our fellow men. May the Great King and Head of the Church grant this!

FRANCE. Our news from this country are not very interesting. The French legislature was in session; and several eloquent and touching appeals were made in behalf of the Greeks, by several members, particularly by General Sebastiani. And even the prime minister, Mons. De Villele, observed in the debate, "that the different cabinets of Europe had not been indifferent to the cause of the Greeks; and that diplomacy would soon put an end to the evils deplored. The great besetting sin of the Bourbon race, manifests its evils in the present king, a disposition to give himself up to the guidance of the Catholic priests, who impertinently intrude themselves into politics, and thrust themselves forward into the courts of kings; and, who would die of ambition or ennui if they had not the keeping and regulating of the king's conscience. This disgusting sacerdotal influence of the ghostly fathers has created much uneasiness among the military men. A number of very distinguished officers have lately resigned their commissions in consequence of the king permitting himself to be led in the military affairs, by these keepers of his conscience. Very many families ase emigrating from Alsace to our happy country. Some districts, particularly that of Lisle, has suffered much from inundations and

hail storms.

SPAIN. This unhappy country still continues to exhibit the deplorable miseries which are inflicted upon a nation by impotency, misrule, and sacerdotal tyranny. The time has been when Spain stood foremost amid the great nations of Europe. But the gold and silver of South America first paralyzed the industry and valour of the Spanish nation. She is garrisoned by French troops, whose bayonets keep a simpleton on the throne, and prevent the progress of national improvement. The coasts on the Mediterranean are swept by the Algerine fleet; and not a frigate there is to show the national colours to the pirates. Even their fishing smacks cannot look out; and the coasting trade is destroyed. The interior is overrun by banditti, who murder and ROME.-Pope Leo XII. the reigning pontiff, plunder. Even the Columbian armed vessels has all the bigotry which his predecessors inher- are at Gibraltar, and wait an opportunity to carry ited from the popes of the dark ages. "Taking the war into her oppressor's country. The land compassion on his Catholic family," says the lies uncultivated and barren; and the greatest London Baptist Magazine, "Leo XII. has ex-distress overwhelms the lower classes of the comtended his jubilee to all the kingdoms of Europe. munity. While the British and the French are In consequence of this the jubilee was proclaim- dunning the distracted government for the payed on April 9, in the London district; and it will ment of their respective debts; the British for continue six months. During this time, all good spoliations-the French for the favours conferred Catholics who confess their sins to their priests, on the nation by overrunning them with their receive the sacrament; and visit fifteen times the troops, and their sustaining Ferdinand the beloChurch appointed by the Bishop for that pur-ved on the throne!" Sic transit gloria mundi." pose; to pray for the establishment of Papacy, PORTUGAL,-The emperor of Brazil has aband for the confusion of all heritics (Protestants,) dicated the crown of Portugal, and has named and obtain a plenary indulgence; that means a his daughter, (a mere child,) the queen of that remission of temporal punishment for their sins: country. She will ascend the throne under the eternal punishment, he tells them, being remitted title of her majesty Donna Maria Second. Meanin their baptism. This is popery in the nine-time a council of regency will be convoked, which teenth century;" and this gives us an insight into the Pope's spiritual dominion.

will put an end to the suspense and disorder of an inter-regnum. The young queen is about ten EAST INDIES.-Two wars have been going years of age. It is said that she will be married forward in the East, between the British and the to her uncle Don Miguel. Nor is this incredible; natives. A war was undertaken some time ago as a brother editor thinks, such marriages by the British, under the command of Lord (which we call incestuous,) are by no means Combermore, professedly to restore a native Ra- uncommon with the royal families of Spain, and jah to his throne, who had been excluded by a Portugal. Upon Miguel's marrying the queen, usurper. It is in a rich district, far in the inte- he will not be "permitted to assume the title of rior, and north from Calcutta. The chief town King" until, by the law of A. D. 1139 and 1641, we believe, is Bhurtpoor, a strongly fortified" he has a son by her. And he shall in no wise city. It was taken after a severe siege by Lord Combermore, who led an army of 30,000 men with a large train of heavy artillery. This war is terminated by the complete success of the native prince and the British. An immense quantity of booty was taken, and few lives lost.

The other war is in the Burman empire. That

be allowed to put the royal crown on his head."

RUSSIA. Considerable disturbances had taken place among the crown peasants in the government of Paskow and Novogorod. A rumour had beed spread that the white slaves had been emancipated. The report was received with transport; and the peasants had committed