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We may also remark, that what was originally called the Augustan Confession, is now commonly denominated the Augsburg Confession.

Literary and Philosophical Intelligence, etc.

New Metal.-A new metal called Pluranium, has lately been discovered in an ore of platinum brought from Russia. This is the fifth simple metallic substance found in these ores, viz.-Polladium, Rhodium, Osmium, Iridium, and Pluranium, From the quantity of platinum found in Russia, and its intrinsic value, the emperor has ordered coins to be struck from this metal. A few platinum coins were in circulation in Russia some years since, but they were all bought up for the cabi.

nets of the virtuosi.

London University.-This institution has been represented by its enemies to be an infidel one. From the tone of the London magazines, however, we infer that pious dissenters generally are its warm friends. Dissenters are excluded from Oxford and Cambridge; the University of London was intended to be open to all alike, and to afford Dissenters, Catholicks, Jews, and Churchmen, equal advantages. This the Council supposed could not so well be done, were theology to be included in the course of instruction, and they therefore leave the religious education of the students to be otherwise provided for. The Council have, however, sanctioned several of the Professors, Churchmen, and Dissenters, in communicating religious instruction, without the walls of the University, to such students as may wish it.

Bees.-A new manual, for the proprietors of bees, has been published at Paris, by a M. Martin. It treats successively of the natural history of bees, of their maladies, of their different forms of government, and of the construction of their hives. It collects the most striking observations that have been made upon these industrious republics by preceding writers; and finishes by a summary of the principles of education which M. Martin lays down, and by a bibliography of bees! Annexed is an abridged treatise, on the culture of sainfoin and buckwheat, which M. Martin considers to be the two plants most favourable to the production of honey.

The thirty-three miles between Liverpool and Manchester are performed by coaches in two hours and three-quarters! Half a minute is allowed for changing horses, at which eight persons are employed, four to remove the horses, and four to place fresh ones to the coach.Leeds Mercury.

Roman Ploughs.-Few classical readers are probably aware, that the ploughs still in use in Spain, are accurately described by Virgil in the Georgics. Yet, such is the fact. The instrument has been sta

tionary in that country, ever since the days of Sertorius.

According to an experiment reported in the Journal of Commerce, with a given amount of light, the expense of sperm candles is to that of tallow candles, as to 1; and to that of oil, as 2 19-20ths to 1 while the expense of tallow candles is to that of oil, as 1 19-20ths to 1.

Important to Cotton Growers.-It has been known that cotton seed yields a considerable portion of oil, of excellent quality. The difficulty of expressing it, in consequence of the quantity and absorbing quality of the integuments of the kernel, has been so great, that heretofore no great quantity of the oil has been made. We are happy to announce that a highly respectable gentleman of Pe tersburgh has invented a machine, by which the seed is completely hulled, and prepared for the easy expression of its oil. The importance of this invention to the southern country, may be appreciated from the fact, that the inventor is preparing a cotton gin, and will shortly be prepared to gin cotton for the seed only. We believe the present price of ginning is every tenth pound. So that in fact the cotton grower will have an addition made to his crop of one-tenth of the whole, by the introduction of this valuable machine. When it is borne in mind that the seed at present is of little or no value, it is apparent that the invention adds greatly to the resources of the southern states, and must, we should

think, exert a friendly influence on their prosperity.

The Season.-March, twelve months ago, was a fine pleasant spring month. Vegetation about this time was very forward, and if we mistake not, many of the fruit trees were in bloom; the consequence, however, was, that the young fruit was nipped by the killing frosts of April, and there was a scarcity of that exOn cellent article during the summer. the contrary, March of the present year has been a cold, raw, blustering month, presenting quite a wintry appearance. Vegetation, thus far, has been completely forth checked-not a blossom has yet put -not even an iris, we believe, has shown itself above the earth. From the lateness of the spring, however, we may justly anticipate an abundance of fruit, of which we are generally deprived by a prema

ture bloom.

The Conemaugh Tunnel, on the western division of the Pennsylvania Canal, has been excavated through its whole length, and a passage is now open through the mountain, 815 feet. The breadth of the tunnel is 25 feet, and the height the

same.

It is calculated that, should the manufacture of sugar in the United States continue to increase as it has for the last four

years, it will in one, or at most two years, be equal to the consumption.

A New Cave in Peters Township. Among the many curiosities with which nature is so beautifully diversified, in almost every part of our country, as well in the bowels of the earth, as on its surface, there has none ever come under my observation so worthy of our admiration and wonder, as the one which I am about to attempt a description of; nor are there any of the works of convulsed nature, yet discovered, in this country, so singular and majestick in appearance as this cave; and, although one of the many wonderful works of nature, it would appear as if art and nature, had there both made a general display of their talents respectively, in the formation and furnishing of this beautiful cavern; for there are certainly many very nice imitations of art, among the myriads of its airy concretions which present themselves to the astonished beholder, who, with wonder and delight stops short at the entrance of this subterranean grove, to feast his opticks on these inimitable works of nature. I have said imitations of art, but I apprehend there are many of these concretions that would even defy the nicest artist to imitate.

This curious production of nature was never discovered till a few days ago,

when the owner, (Mr. Reece, of Peters
Township, living on the basis of the North
mountain,) was about to dig for water;
and as there is a very large spring issuing
out of the rocks, at the foot of a hill of
hole some distance above the spring, he
considerable height, and a kind of sink
thought he probably could come on the
stream: accordingly he commenced dig-
ging in the sink hole, and had proceeded
but a few feet, when he could plainly
hear the water running, seemingly with
about twelve feet from the surface, came
great rapidity; and at the distance of
a fissure in the rock, which immediately
to the water, at the lower extremity of
vern, the entrance of which is partially
expanded into a large and beautiful ca
obstructed by loose rocks, which, after
pear, and instead of loose rubbish, solid
advancing a little distance, entirely disap-
rocks appear, enamelled with spar of differ-

ent colours. In every direction are to be
seen the most beautiful icicles, suspended
Concretions, without
from its noble, and in some places, ma-
jestick ceiling.
number, and of almost every colour, size,
and dimension, are seen pointing down-
wards from the ceiling, and inwards from
the sloping walls-some white, some red,
some brown, some green, and others trans-
parent as glass, and all solid as marble.
They threaten the curious adventurer
with being torn in pieces by their craggy
points, if he attempts penetrating any
further into it; and indeed in some places
he is obliged to proceed in a stooping
position, in order to avoid them.

In proceeding up this subterraneous
passage, you are obliged to walk in the run
nearly all the way. The run is in some
places dry at this time, owing to the sea-
son of the year. Yet it is evident from the
bed of the run, and other visible marks of
the water, that some parts of the year
the water must flow through the differ-
ent channels, in large quantities. Even
at this time, there is a great deal run-
ning through it, but mostly through
channels alongside of the principal one,
as is evident from the great noise it
makes in falling over the craggy rocks,
which impede its progress. There are in
the principal channel, several falls which
might very properly be denominated
cataracts. The extent of the cave is as
yet unknown, as it has been but partially
explored. The greatest distance any per-
son has been up it yet, is about 800 feet, at
which distance there was no appearance
of its termination. In ascending this cave,
the eye is most agreeably struck with its
grandeur-at every step new wonders
present themselves here is the spar
formed into trees, shrubs, &c., which
make it have the appearance of a petrified

grove-in some places the spar is formed into the likenesses of men, birds, beasts, organs, &c., and in one place, raised on a pedestal, is a striking resemblance of a half unfurled flag. Besides these, there are hundreds of other likenesses, which I shall not here attempt a description of. When we first saw them, we were only

surprised at their diversity and beauty, but on a more minute examination, we were struck with amazement, knowing them to be mere productions of nature; who, hitherto, in solitary silence, had, in her playful moments, unseen and unheard, dressed the scene, as if for her own amusement.

M.

Keligious Intelligence.

AMISSIONS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

(Continued from p. 142.)

The state of religion in the Presbyterian church in Indiana is, at this time, more promising than at any former period. During the summer and autumn, many congregations have been favoured with the special influences of the Holy Spirit. More than 500 persons have been added to the Presbyterian church in this state, on confession of their faith, during the past year, and it is believed a more lively interest is manifesting itself in the benevolent and religious operations of the day, than heretofore. Perhaps there is no part of our country in which there is a greater diversity of religious sects, than in this; and with regard to the Presby. terians it may be said, "every man's hand is against them." But they have little to fear from the ravings of ignorance, or the ebullitions of envy. Presbyterianism will doubtless progress as intelligence progresses, and though her gains should be slow, they will be substantial. The Baptist denomination, which is one of the most numerous in this state, is much agitated with intestine divisions. The licentious and disorganizing principles of Campbell meet with a pretty general reception among them, and will probably result in the destruction of that church.

Very much good may be done in this country, by the circulation of religious Tracts. I have circulated all I could obtain, and they have been cordially received. I have frequently during my mis. sion felt, that it would be very desirable to have a series of tracts, in which the distinguishing doctrines of our church should be more prominently set forth. These cannot be issued by the American Tract Society, and it is not desirable that they should be. But that such tracts are called for, especially in this western country, I am fully persuaded. I am far from desiring to promote a sectarian spirit, but I am desirous to promote the truth, and to correct misrepresentation, and that per

version of what are called the doctrines of Calvinism, which is so common, and so deleterious to the cause of truth, to say nothing of the cause of Presbyterianism. The Episcopalians, the Methodists, the Baptists, &c. all have their Tract Societies; and their publications, designed chiefly to set forth their own peculiar tenets, are widely circulated. I should therefore like to see some good Presby terian Tracts, on such subjects as Predestination, Perseverance, Infant Baptism, Presbyterian Church Government, (if it could be treated briefly,) and the duty of Ruling Elders. Could not a series of tracts on these, and other like subjects, be published by the Assembly's Board of Missions? Should some Bookseller in Philadelphia or New York, take the re sponsibility of publishing such tracts, there is no doubt that thousands of them might be sold."

One of our missionaries reporting his labours for two months, in the interior of Pennsylvania, says, concerning three contiguous places, and the people in them

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They have the Lord's supper administered once in the year, by some person appointed by the Presbytery. The people are indeed a mixed multitude; & few of almost every denomination, and many of no one; and amongst the different sects, there exists a good deal of party feeling,-not much Christian love and forbearance. The people at S―, ap. pear sensible of the importance of having a church, and called a meeting a few days since, to take measures to erect one during the ensuing summer.

"My heart has been cheered to see the serious attention given by the people, to the word of God. To many it was new, they having never heard a missionary be. fore, and many of them never any Presbyterian minister. In the minds of many, I found strong prejudices against our church; and on inquiry into the grounds of them, soon found that they arose from the misrepresentations which had been made of our doctrines, by those who differ from us in sentiment: yet these are easily overcome by friendly conversation,

and a simple statement of the true doctrines, held by the Presbyterian Church. I have preached (in two months) about 35 times; spoken in several prayer meetings; and visited and addressed Sabbath schools three times. They have two schools in S, and one in T. C, which are too much on the plan of common day schools, and suffer greatly for want of suitable teachers. Christians are scarce here; yet there are a few, here and there, who love Jesus, and delight in serving him. These expressed much joy at the prospect of hearing the gospel. The people will all attend preaching, and I have found the number increasing the longer I remained. Several times the house would not hold the people who assembled. They appeared very desirous for me to remain, and spend my life with them, and when I told them I could not, their next plea was, do your best to send us another missionary. The man who comes here, must put up with a rough country, but he will find the people remarkably kind and affectionate. They are willing to do all in their power to make him comfortable. As to the prospect of usefulness here, I think it may safely be called flattering. The earnest attention which is seen in nearly every countenance, and the anxiety of the people, I think, will warrant the term. Were it in your power to send a man here, who would spend his life with this people, they could easily be gathered in, and would soon assume the appearance of a regular church of Christ. They want faithful instruction very much. In a moral point of view, this is indeed one of the dark corners of our land, in which the gospel is seldom heard, and even then, is generally united with so much abuse of other sects, that the people will not hear it with pleasure. They want the gospel,-they want a crucified Saviour, and not slanderous abuse."

The following letter and enclosure from Judge Fine, are so well calculated to recommend our fifty cent contribution, that we deem it expedient to publish them; with this remark in confirmation, that we have not found any difficulty in promoting any benevolent pecuniary subscription of a moderate sum, in any congregation, in which the minister and elders were willing to lead and animate their fellow communicants.

Ogdensburgh, N. York, Dec. 30, 1828. Rev. E. S. Ely, D.D.

Dear Sir,-Seeing that you are busily engaged in your new missionary plan, I cannot deny myself the pleasure of encouraging you, in your good work. In the autumn of 1824, I addressed the enVOL. VII.-Ch. Adv.

closed circular to every Minister and Elder in the county. My plan was new. It was of my own suggesting, and it had nothing to support it, but the reasons urged in the letter. In this church, and a few others, we executed the plan, and continued it for a year or two. But in most of the churches, it was never attempted, owing to the dislike to it of the ministers and elders;-the former thinking it too great a burden on their people, and the latter not wishing the trouble of it.

Having made a fair trial of it here, I am able to say, that the poorest communicants, are the most willing and ready to give; and that the difficulty of the plan will arise, not from indisposition to give, but from want of time, with the officers to collect.

I would suggest as the easiest mode of collection, that the communicants bring their contributions at the sacramental seasons. This is a suitable time to think of the feeble and destitute churches, and of the heathen.

Your stipulated sum is too small, but this you can alter hereafter.

Your principal hindrance, will be the backwardness on the part of the ministers and elders.

We have collected of our communicants the last two years, for the Western Domestick Missionary Society.

I thought much on this subject four years ago, and have often reflected on it since; and I am strongly persuaded, that the church, as a church, should do something more efficiently for the great objects of Christian enterprise.

Wishing you much success in your la bours, believe me yours truly,

JOHN FINE. [The circular mentioned above will be given in our next number.]

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF LIBERIA.

A Historical Sketch of its Origin, extracted from the Records of the Session Book.

book contains the records, was organized The Presbyterian church, of which this on board the ship Harriet, Captain Johnson, then lying in Norfolk Harbour, U.S. A. on the 2d February, 1829, under the following circumstances :

Mr. Joseph Turner, formerly of the family of the Rev. James Turner, Bedford County, Virginia, being about to emigrate to Africa, and having been for several years a licentiate preacher, under the care of the Presbytery of Hanover, it was thought of much importance that before 2 A

his departure from America, he should receive ordination to the whole work of the gospel ministry. For this purpose a Presbytery was called, and convened on board the Harriet, consisting of three ministers, the Rev. William J. Armstrong, James W. Douglas, and Joseph Nimmo. Several Ruling Elders of the Presbyterian church of Norfolk were also present. Mr. Turner having passed a satisfactory examination before the Presbytery, was solemnly set apart to the whole work of the ministry, by prayer and the laying on of hands. A certificate of his ordination was given by the Presbytery to Mr. Turner, of which the following is a copy:—

On board the ship Harriet, Norfolk Harbour, U. S. A. Feb. 2, 1829. The subscribers, regularly ordained ministers of the Presbyterian church, in the United States of North America, belonging to the Presbyteries of Hanover in Virginia, and Orange in North Carolina, having received ample testimonials in favour of Joseph Turner, a licensed preacher of the presbytery of Hanover, and being fully satisfied of his ministerial qualifications, and the emergency of the case (he being about to sail for the port of Liberia, in Africa,) not admitting of a regular call of the Presbytery, did proceed as a Presby. tery, to set apart the said Joseph Turner to the full work of the gospel ministry, as an Evangelist, to preach and administer sacraments among his brethren in Africa, whenever and wherever he may be called in the providence of God, by prayer and the laying on of hands; and they do hereby commend him, the said Joseph Turner, as a Presbyterian minister, to the blessing of the Great Head of the church, to the word of his grace, and to the affections and prayers of the people of God, hoping that he may be an honoured instrument of edifying the people of God, and saving sinners, through the word and ordinances of the Gospel. Signed

WM. J. ARMSTRONG, JAMES W. Douglas, JOSEPH NIMMO.

After the ordination of Mr. Turner, four persons presented themselves for the purpose of being organized as a Presbyterian church, viz.

Joseph Shiphard, late of the First Presbyterian church of Richmond, Va.

Lucinda Turner, of the church of Bedford County, Va.

Linn Hunt, and Jane Hunt, of the church of Brunswick County, Va.

These persons having given satisfaction to the Presbytery of their good standing, were, by publick covenant, united for the worship of God, as a Presbyterian church.

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and Miss M.

"Among the individuals added to the Communion, with whom you were acMr. Wm. D, quainted, are Mr. CThe female prayer meeting was revived soon after you left us. The number of attendants is larger than when you were here. A little tract society has been formed, with a fund of sixty and seventy families are supplied six or eight dollars a month, and between weekly with a tract on loan. This is conSchool No. 2, contains from 25 to 30 ducted principally by Mr. Steadman. nish, of whom seven or eight read in the scholars; about twelve of them are SpaTestament. I make a point of going. down as frequently as I can; and were it at all practicable to be absent from the school in town, should go every Sabbath. I have a service on board some vessel in the inner roads at 9 in the morning, from which I return just soon enough to preach at 11, in the chapel,t and after attending the school at Mr. Fair's till 5, and preaching again in the chapel at half-after

* Since the organization of the church in Nov. 1827, the whole number of communicants has been 23-of these, from 6 to 8 were on profession of faith, the others were members of churches in their seve ral countries, and joined on certificate.

The word chapel is here made use of to distinguish the Presbyterian place of worship, from those of the church of England and Roman Catholick.

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