will, probably, before very long, require all my time, but until that shall be the case, I shall be glad to employ my unappropriated time, in the service of the Assembly's Board. As the Board, by special request, extended my commission three months beyond the time for which it was first granted, I still hold their commission for three months' labour, to be employed in this state. Though that ex tension was granted on the supposition that the church of Indianapolis would require my services one half of the time, I suppose my change of location will not prevent me from serving the Board quite as efficiently, and even more so, as my location is in a more populous part of the state. (To be continued.) The Treasurer of the Trustees of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church acknowledges the receipt of the following sums for their Board of Missions, during the month of February last, viz. Of Capt. James Moore, subscriptions in the First Presbyterian Church Of Geo. W. Blight, Esq., from Rev. Robert B. Belville, from the Auxiliary Of Rev. Charles Hodge, subscriptions at Kingston, N. J., per $30 00 9 30 6 00 44 00 Rev. David 28 00 Amount $117 30 View of Publick Affairs. London papers to the 7th of January, and Liverpool of the 8th, contain the latest European intelligence received in this country, at the time we write. Nor is the intelligence of great interest. We observe nothing that changes, in any particular, the aspect of the political affairs of the old world, within the last month; unless it be the death of Don Miguel, the usurper of the crown of Portugal-if indeed he be really dead. EUROPE. BRITAIN. A great and unusual excitement has been produced both in London and Liverpool, by the absconding of Rowland Stephenson, a partner in a distinguished banking house, in the former city. It is stated that he has embezzled exchequer bills, as well as overdrawn on the national bank, to a very large amount; and that, with an enormous sum of money, he has endeavoured to escape from Britain—it is believed with a view to come to this country. An advertisement has been issued, with the offer of a thousand pounds sterling, for his apprehension; and the government, as well as individuals, are earnestly engaged to arrest him; but as yet without success. It appears that an indulgence in the most detestable and the most expensive vices, has brought this wretched man into his present situation.-The head of the Roman Catholick hierarchy, a Dr. R. Curtis, has addressed a reply to the letter of the Duke of Wellington, published in our last number. It compliments the Duke, even to the extent of what the Dr.'s folks might call blarney, and yet disagrees with him totally, as to the propriety of any delay whatever, in a parliamentary decision of the Catholick question. The Doctor thinks that the Duke's influence, if fairly and fully exerted in favour of the Catholicks, would carry a bill in their favour triumphantly, through both houses of parliament. A correspondence has also taken place between this same Dr. Curtis, and the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, the Marquis of Anglesea. The Marquis agrees with the Doctor, and disagrees with the Duke; but at the same time urges that nothing should be done or said to provoke the Premier, but every thing to propitiate him; and that the Catholicks should forbear all violence, as highly injurious to their cause. The Marquis has since either resigned, or been recalled from, his vice kingship in Ireland. How this important concern will terminate remains to be seen. It will, we suppose, come before parliament, which was to convene in the beginning of February, and is probably now in session. All the news of any importance, from the theatre of war in the east of Europe, contained in the latest English papers, is comprised in the two following paragraphs. "There is no later intelligence from the Continent, than has already been received here and published, direct from Paris. It is again asserted that Prussia has been tendering her mediation to the belligerents, but her offers have been rejected almost with contumely. The Russian blockade of the Dardanelles appears to be very inefficient; vessels laden with corn contrive to pass or elude the blockading squadron. Russia, says a London paper, "pays all her employès at a low rate, upon a calculation that they will make up the deficit by peculation or astute contrivances." An Odessa paragraph of Dec. 13, says :-"The ship Standard, Captain Kanatazoff, arrived in the port of Sebastopol, on the 4th Dec. coming from Varna. At the time of its departure every thing was in the best condition, as well as on the whole line of our cantonments; an attempt of the enemy upon Paravadi had been vigorously repulsed. Some of our men of war continue to cruise on the Turkish coast from Varna to the Bosphorus. The report of the massacre at Crete, of which, from the complexion of our former accounts, we had no doubts, is confirmed." An Ancona date of Dec. 10, says: "The latest accounts from Pores and Syra, return to the subject of the massacre of the Christian inhabitants in the cities of Crete. No Christians are now left in those cities: all have perished by the sword, and all the brethren in the island are devoted to the same fate." The supplies of grain from abroad, have reduced the price of that article in Britain, and the apprehension of a general scarcity, seems for the present to have subsided. FRANCE is tranquil and prosperous. The blockade of Algiers by a French squadron is continued, but is said to be inadequate to prevent either ingress or egress-A land expedition is talked of, but it is uncertain whether it will take place. We do not observe any notice of the return of the French troops from the Morea-Probably their presence there is still necessary. Schools of mutual instruction are becoming popular in France, and a considerable number are in operation. A Catholick priest lately claimed the right of contracting matrimony, under the existing laws of the kingdom. The cause came before the court royale, which gave sentence against the priest, with costs of suit. SPAIN-remains in statu quo. PORTUGAL.-We do not consider the following as absolutely authentick, but it is the latest intelligence from Portugal, and if true, is important. "Death of Don Miguel.-A private correspondent of the London Morning Herald, under a Lisbon date of December 20th, announces the death of Don Miguel on the 13th, attended with frightful convulsions. The greatest agitation prevailed; the death of Don Miguel, as well as the determination of the constitutionalists to break out in open defiance of his authority, are bruited on all sides. The physicians of Don Miguel continue, nevertheless, to issue daily bulletins, assuring the publick of his complete and speedy recovery. The Portuguese merchants in London fully expected from the tenor of the intelligence from Lisbon, that a revolution would break out in Portugal, and that as soon as the Cortes should be assembled, that a regency in the name of the young Queen would be appointed." It appears that the emperor Don Pedro is taking effectual measures to apprize the European courts officially, that his daughter Donna Maria is the legitimate sovereign of Portugal-The transports at Portsmouth (England) for the reception of the Portuguese refugees, have received orders to sail at an hour's notice. GREECE.-The Southern and central parts of Greece seem to be recovering, gradually, from the effects of the Turkish depredations. The following article, from a London paper, in relation to the adjacent regions, is important. "Redschid Pacha, of Janina and its dependencies, having been called to Constantinople, to advise as to the means of defending Greece, a great insurrection broke out in that province. Etolia, Acarnania, the mountains of Thessala, and Pindus, as far as Ochrida, were up in arms; and the Albanian Mahometans, who have not been paid, are now joined with the insurgents. Such a movement must lead to important consequences. The result at present places the Christians of Prevesa under the knife of the Turks. As to those of Janina, the greater part of them have taken refuge in the mountains. The Russian fleet which is at Tenedos is accompanied by a swarm of Greek privateers; excesses will again bring ruin upon the commerce of the several neutral nations. Nothing could be more agreeable to the Divan at this season, for there is no doubt that this abuse will give rise to collisions between the European Admirals." RUSSIA and TURKEY.-We have no information of much importance to communicate from these mighty belligerents. Both are straining every nerve to be ready for a tremendous conflict, at the opening of the next campaign. The emperor of Russia has written a flattering letter to his commander in chief, Count Witgenstein; but has refused him permission to visit Petersburg, deeming his continuance with the army of the highest importance. The Sultan Mahmoud, on his part, has required every Musselman, on pain of excommunication, to hold himself in readiness to take the field. ASIA. Recent intelligence, by the way of Britain, represents the state of India as free from war, but not as entirely tranquil. The measures of the late governor general, Amherst, are represented as the subject of much dissatisfaction. The Burmese war, it is said, has not proved favourable to British commerce, as was expected. The cholera has proved exceedingly fatal of late. The missions are prosperous; but the new bishop has already lost his health. AFRICA. An English paper contains the following article of distressing information, which we fear will prove substantially true. "On the 14th of November last, an expedition was preparing by the American settlers at Liberia, to destroy a French slave ship and factory at Digby, a place about thirty miles distant, when during the night the maga zine, in which they were making cartridges, blew up, and horrible to relate, Mr. Lott Carey the governor, and nine of his people, were destroyed." AMERICA. Throughout the whole of our sister republicks of the South, dissentions of the most disastrous and inauspicious aspect prevail. A new reyolution has taken place in BUENOS AYRES. The late governor has been expelled by an insurrection, and a new one put in his place. In Colombia, the province of Popayan has revolted, and Bolivar is represented as both tyrannical and unpopular, constantly exposed to assassination, fearful of his life, and probably tired of his dictatorship. Yet the war with Peru is going on, and soldiers are raised by conscription, and sent manacled to the army. In Mexico, Guerrero has completely obtained his object, and his rival, Pedraza, it is said, has resigned-One account states that both have resigned. The general congress was in session at the last accounts, and a better state of things was hoped for. Civil war is not yet terminated in Central America. UNITED STATES.-General Jackson, the President elect of the United States, entered Washington in the most private manner, avoiding all military parade, and all ostentation of whatever kind. In this we doubt not he consulted his personal feelings as a mourner, as well as his good sense as the first citizen of a great republick, whose example should always go to the promotion of that simplicity and plainness of manners, without which genuine and healthful republicanism cannot long exist. We write this on the 4th of March, the day of the Presidential inauguration, and of course cannot know what our new chief magistrate will say, on his entrance into office. Our prayer is, and we hope it may be the prayer of every Christian in our land, that Almighty God may richly endue him with grace and wisdom; may grant him every qualification, and all the support, which his exalted station, and his numerous and arduous duties demand; that his administration may redound to the glory of God, the prosperity of our beloved country, and his own comfort, satisfaction, honour, and everlasting felicity. The Washington Telegraph states-"We are authorized to say, that the new Cabinet will consist of Martin Van Buren, of New York, as Secretary of State.Samuel D. Ingham, of Pennsylvania, as Secretary of the Treasury.-John M'Lean, of Ohio, as Postmaster General.-John H. Eaton, of Tennessee, as Secretary of War.John Branch, of North Carolina, as Secretary of the Navy.-John M'Pherson Berrien, of Georgia, as Attorney General. It will be seen, that the Postmaster General is to be included in the Cabinet. We learn that the President elect on Wednesday received a letter from Mr. Van Buren, accepting the State Department. The other gentlemen are in this city, and have notified their acceptance in person." Congress closes its sessions with leaving much important business unfinished, and some untouched. We particularly regret that the unballowed post office law is not repealed. ERRATA IN OUR LAST NUMBER. Page 63, col. 1, line 15 from bottom, for disciplining read discipling. 68, 21 S. L. R. is received, and will appear. THE CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE. APRIL, 1829. Keligious Communications. LECTURES ON THE SHORTER CATECHISM OF THE WESTMINSTER AS heathen world. It began very early. Some writers of character are of the SEMBLY OF DIVINES-ADDRESSED opinion that it existed before the TO YOUTH. LECTURE XXXIX. (Continued from p. 100.) II. IDOLATRY, as well as Atheism, is prohibited in the first commandment, according to that part of the ment, according to that part of the answer before us, which says, that this precept "forbids the giving that worship and glory to any other which is due to God alone." We have already, indeed, shown that idolatry is interpretative atheism, by the decision of the apostle Paul, who affirms that the Ephesians, the noted and zealous worshippers of the heathen goddess Diana, were atheists in the world," till their conversion to Christianity. We may give a definition of idolatry in the very words of divine inspiration-It is, "to worship and serve the creature more [or rather than the Creator." It is of two kinds, gross or palpable, and mental or secret. 1. Gross or palpable idolatry is the rendering of open and avowed worship, or religious homage, to some creature. This was, and is, the great and leading sin of the Rather, is in this place the marginal and correct translation of the original word raga. VOL. VII.-Ch. Adv. flood; and that this is intimated in the passage (Gen. vi. 2) which speaks of the sons of God contracting marriages with the daughters of men. However this might be, we learn from the distinct statement of Holy Scripture, that shortly after the general deluge, idolatry was so prevalent that the family of Abraham were worshippers of idols in Chaldea, till he was called to remove out of that country. The great design of God in the calling of Abraham doubtless was, to preserve in the world the knowledge of the true God. Yet his posterity manifested a proneness to idolatry that seems astonishing. Their making and worshipping a golden calf, even when the thunderings and lightnings of Sinai were before their eyes, was a memorable instance of this propensity: And although it does not appear that they ever had idols of their own invention, yet when settled in the land of Canaan, they, first or last, adopted almost all the idols of the neighbouring countries. It was their captivity in Babylon that eventually cured them of this propensity. In every other nation of antiquity, except the Hebrew, the grossest idolatry was practised, and that continually. It was so far from being prevented or diminished by hu man learning or philosophy, that it is a notorious fact that the nations most distinguished for science and the arts, were also the most remark able for their abominable and multifarious polytheism. The Greeks had about thirty thousand gods. Jupiter was reckoned the chief, and then followed a rabble of gods and goddesses, each presiding over, or particularly attached to, some nation, some season of the year, some of the elements, or some art or occupation. These imaginary deities were represented as having husbands and wives, as possess ing opposite interests, as often engaged in jealousies, altercations and quarrels, and as indulging in some of the worst and basest vices ever seen among mankind. It appears that the heavenly bodies, the sun, moon, and stars, were the first objects of idolatrous worship; then demons or Genii, who were considered as inferior deities; then the departed spirits of kings, heroes, lawgivers, philosophers and publick benefactors; and eventually, almost every object of the animate and inanimate creationrivers, groves, beasts, birds, fishes, reptiles, and vices of the most loathsome kind. Indeed the rites of pagan idolatry, both in ancient and modern times, have always been connected with the most revolting impurity, and the most appalling cruelty. Human sacrifices, especially on occasions of great emergency, have often been, and in some places still are, offered to the pretended deities of the heathen. You can never exceed in your gratitude to God, my dear youth, that he has given you existence at a time, and in a land, in which the light of divine revelation has so completely banished this gross idolatry, that it seems wonderful to us that it ever could have existed: and truly I know of nothing that exhibits human nature in a light more degrading, and demonstrates the blinding and besotting nature of sin more forcibly, than that rational beings should offer religious worship to some of the most detestable objects that can be conceived of; and with many rites which decency will not permit us so much as to name.Read attentively the whole passage, in the first chapter of the epistle to Romans, from which I have quoted a definition of idolatry; and you will find the cause of it assigned by the pen of inspiration, and a summary description given of its shocking character and prevalence. Before we leave the topick of gross and palpable idolatry, it is with pain that I feel myself constrained to say, that a species of it exists in the Romish and Greek churches. It is true, indeed, that many of the objects worshipped are entirely different from those of the heathen; although the religious regard shown to relicks, crucifixes, the pretended wood of the cross, and places deemed sacred, are much like some of the pagan superstitions. Neither is it clear that many of those who have been canonized and worshipped as saints, were worthy of the appellation, to say nothing of the religious homage they have received. But although the angels, the mother of our blessed Lord, the holy apostles, and many later saints, are highly worthy of our love and veneration, none of them are proper objects of any kind or degree of religious worship; and could they address those who offer it, they would doubtless reject it with abhorrence. You will recollect, that when the apostle John "fell down to worship, before the feet of the angel," that showed him the things of which we have an account in the last chapter of the book of Revelations, the angel said, "See thou do it not: for I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God." In like manner, when religious homage was offered to Paul and Barnabas at Iconium |