d

of our churches, and the number of our Journal in which your letter is inserted.*

From these communications, we present in this note, 1st. Some information respecting the form of government in the French Reformed Church.

According to the form of discipline adopted by this church, it is strictly Presbyterian. The ecclesiastical orders consist of pastors, elders, and deacons, whose everal powers exactly correspond with those exercised under the same official deominations in the Presbyterian church. Their ecclesiastical courts also correspond o ours, their Conferences answering to ur Presbyteries, their provincial Synods our Synods, and their national Synod o our General Assembly. They have Iso Consistories, which are inferior to the Conferences, and answer to our church essions, but on a larger scale. By the ixteenth article of the law of the kingdom especting Protestant worship, the Reormed are allowed to have a Consistorial hurch for every six thousand souls belongg to their communion or denomination. s the Reformed Protestant population is ore or less widely scattered over a deartment, it becomes a matter of necessity hat they should have a plurality of minisers, and of edifices for publick worship. Thus, for instance, in the department of he Hautes-Alpes, they have one Consisorial church, three pastors, and fifteen difices for worship; and in the department fGard, they have seventeen Consistorial hurches, sixty-four pastors, and seventyive edifices for worship. Whatever may e the number of pastors and edifices for Forship in a Consistorial church, the Conistory, consisting of the pastors and elers, (the latter of which are limited by aw, so as not to fall short of six in numer, and not to exceed twelve,) form but ne ecclesiastical court, similar to the sesion of a collegiate church among us. The enior pastor is the stated Moderator of he Consistory.

At present, they have no nationa! Synod; ind it appears that the actual organization of their church is so modified by the pressure of the times, and the hand of civil government, as to be defective in some of its leading features. Besides the want of a common centre of union and co-operation in the absence of the national Synod, the law makes no provision for Conferences or Presbyteries. It provides only for pastors, local Consistories, and Synods. It determines that five Consistorial churches shall form a Synod; that it shall consist of a pastor and elder from each Consistory; that it shall assemble only after having received permission from government; that it shall give previous notice to the minister of state charged with all the affairs relating to worship, of the business which will come

before it; that it shall be held in the presence of the sub-prefect, or, in his absence, of the mayor; that a copy of the minutes shall be sent by the prefect to the minister of state for religious affairs; and that the session of the Synod shall not continue longer than six days.

2d. Some Statistical Notices.

According to the statistical account furnished last year by the Rev. A. Soulier, the Reformed Church of France has eightyfive Consistorial churches, which, at the each church, gives us an aggregate of rate assigned by law, of 6,000 souls for 510,000. It has, besides, eleven oratories, which appear to be appropriated to smaller communities than those which would warrant the formation of a Consistorial church. Of these oratories, four have one pastor each; the rest, which are of recent formation, have none. Belonging to each oratory, there is a single house for worship, with the exception of that in the department of Somme, which has two. By the law of 1st November, 1805, the authorized Protestant oratories are annexed to the Consistorial church nearest to each of them, and the pastors of these oratories are attached to the Consistorial church to which the oratory is annexed. Hence, they may be considered in the light of dependencies upon the nearest Consistorial churches. It appears also, that these oratories, when their local relations and numbers warrant it, may be formed into a Consistorial church, by the proper authority. Thus, by an ordinance of the king, 24th April, 1822, six oratories, in three adjoining departments, were formed into the Consistorial church of Orleans; five oratories, in two departments, were formed into the Consistorial church of Lille; four others, in two departments, into the church of Metz; and the single oratory of Besançon, was formed into a Consistorial church. These oratories, thus united into one church, form so many sections of that church. Sections are fractional parts of a Consistorial church, each having its own pastor, or pastors, and its own local organization. The pastor, or pastors, elders, and deacons of a section, form a session, or local Consistory, which has the authority to watch over the religious interests of the faithful in that locality, such as the reception and distribution of alms, and whatever regards order in the celebration of worship. But the higher acts of discipline can only be disposed of in the general Consistory, which is, in fact, the session of all the single sections, or congregations, of which the Consistorial church is composed.

The Reformed Church has three hun. dred and five pastors, four hundred and thirty-eight edifices for publick worship, four hundred and fifty-one Bible societies

claimed a seat in parliament, to which he had been elected before the passage of the Relief law. He was required by the Speaker of the Commons to take the oath prescribed to be taken by every member on being admitted to his seat, agreeably to the form contained in the law, as it stood before the Relief Bill was passed, and at the time of his, Mr. O'Connell's election. This he refused. Debate and delay ensued; but finally a large majority of the house adopted the Speaker's opinion, and on Mr. O'C.'s continuing his refusal, a motion made by the Solicitor General, was carried, "that the Speaker do issue his warrant to the clerk of the Crown in Ireland, to issue a new writ, subject to the provisions of the recent statute for the Relief of the Roman Catholicks, for the election of a member to serve in the present parliament, for the county of Clare." This resolution, however, appears to have been adopted entirely with a view to preserve consistency, without any hostility to Mr. O'Connell, and we presume there is no doubt that he will be re-elected, and be freely admitted to his seat under the new act, which prescribes an oath to which he has no objection. The agitation produced through the kingdom, by the proceedings in parliament on the Catholick question, appears to have subsided more speedily and generally than was exected. Indeed the opposers of the Catholick claims, with the exception of a few turdy Church and State zealots, seem to have nearly lost their fears of the evils they predicted. We were glad to see an article taken from a London paper, stating that he Earl of Winchelsea, who fought the duel with the Duke of Wellington, felt so uch compunction for that act as to refuse to continue a director of a religious instiition, assigning for reason, that such an office did not become a man who had openly olated the law both of God and his country. We benevolently wish that the Duke so may be favoured with a large share of the same feeling, and that it may speedily nd a place in the bosom of every duellist in the world.

The low wages of some mechanicks, of weavers especially, has recently become e subject of serious complaint. It is stated that at Spitalfield no less than 5000 eavers had struck for wages, and that no compromise had taken place between em and their employers at the last accounts. At Manchester formidable riots had curred, but had happily been quieted. At Rochdale the rioters could not be bdued till the military interposed, and after bearing much insult, fired on the mob, lled five individuals, and wounded 25 others. It appears that trade is in a very de*essed state both in Britain and France.

FRANCE.-The late minister of foreign affairs in France, was compelled to resign #office, in consequence of his unpopularity-he was unable to carry his measures the legislative chambers. The monarch, and the remaining members of the adnistration have, it appears, been much embarrassed in the choice of a successor. uch influence was used to secure the services of the Duke of Laval Montmorency, account of his popularity, and the numerous friends he had in the chambers; but has absolutely refused to take office with the present administration, and the unrsecretary in the department of justice, M, Bordeau, is for the present made keeper the seals. The Court, it seems, is at issue with both parties in the legislative body, "d it is conjectured that the dissolution of the chambers will be the consequence. n expedition, both by sea and land, against Algiers is talked of, but there is as yet evidence that it is seriously contemplated. Alarming riots, occasioned by the want provisions and employment, have occurred in several parts of France, as well as of ngland. On the whole, there appears to be much agitation in this kingdom at prent, and yet we perceive nothing that threatens a disastrous change.

SPAIN.-The king of Spain is either infatuated enough to resolve on endeavouring regain a part of his former possessions in Southern America, or else he pretends to ve adopted such a resolution, with a view to engage the refugees from Mexico, to ur the treasures they have carried with them into his empty coffers. An expedition, usisting of twenty thousand men, is said to be on foot against Mexico, and formida. demonstrations are made from the Havana, avowedly for the purpose of securing is object. Time will show the result. It is greatly to be regretted, that the civil sentions in the South American republicks encourage their enemies, and enfeeble and distress themselves. Perhaps the pressure of foreign war is again necessary to ite them among themselves. The queen of Spain died on the 7th of May.

PORTUGAL.-The latest accounts from Portugal represent the affairs of that kingm as being in no better situation. Twenty-three Constitutionalists were condemned April, as having been concerned in the insurrection at Oporto last year, twelve of hom were executed, and eleven banished. The expedition to Terceira,* sailed on

One of the Azores islands which has not submitted to Don Miguel. It is 54 miles circumference, healthy and fertile. It is now the favourite resort of the Portuese refugees.

and associations, one hundred and twentyfour missionary societies, and fifty-nine tract societies and depositories. In their Theological Seminary at Montauban, in the year 1826-7, there were seventy-three pupils. The faculty of this Seminary consist of a dean and five professors. Instruction is given in philosophy, high Latinity, Greek literature, Hebrew, sacred criticism, ecclesiastical history, dogmatical

theclogy, pulpit oratory, and evangelical morality. The term of study is fixed by law at three years. After November last, no one was to be admitted who had not obtained the degree of Bachelor of Arts: and after November next, none will be admitted to the course of Theology, properly so called, who is not a proficient in He brew.

The Treasurer of the Trustees of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church a knowledges the receipt of the following sums for their Theological Seminary at Printeton, N. J. during the month of June last, viz.

Of Samuel Bayard, Esq. the annual collection in Princeton, N. J. for the Contingent Fund,

Of Rev. Dr. John M'Dowell, collected by Rev. William Blauvelt in Laming. ton, N. J. for the New York and New Jersey Professorship,

$247

Of Rev. John B. Davies, per Rev. Dr. Ashbel Green, for the Southern Professorship,

2000

Of Roswell L. Colt, Esq. per Rev. William Nevins, one year's interest of his scholarship,

125.00

75 00

Of Thomas H. Mills, Esq. for the Woodhull Scholarship,

Of Rev. Edward N. Kirk, a member of the First Class of 1825, stated to be the balance of his subscription and a year's interest, given for the instruction of some indigent student, who shall consider it as a loan to be repaid when Providence makes it practicable

53 00

Amount received for the Seminary,

$30277

Received also for the Board of Missions, viz.

Of Rev. Dr. E. S. Ely, his collections

Of Alexander Henry, Esq. monthly concert collections in Second Presbyterian
Church,

Of Mr. Thomas Hutchison, Great Valley,

37

and his collections

Of Rev. R. B. Belville, Neshaminey,

Of Rev. Joshua T. Russell, collection in the First Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, at the prayer meeting of the Board of Missions,

Of Hugh Auchincloss, Esq. from Rev. Dr. Philips, First Presbyterian Church,
New York,

Of Rev. Joshua T. Russell, per Solomon Allen, Esq.
Of Captain James Moore, from Richard Wynkoop, Esq, First Presbyterian
Church, Yorktown, West Chester county, N. Y. monthly concert collections 15
Of Rev. Sylvester Scovel, the balance of his collections on his agency,

3%

162 73

46.00

Amount received for the Board of Missions,

Diew of Publick Affairs.

EUROPE.

European advices to the 23d of May inclusive are, at the time we write, the most recent that have reached this country.

BRITAIN. Our readers are already apprized that the Roman Catholick Relief Bil which was stated in our number for May to have passed the House of Commons, and to have been sent to the House of Lords, was carried in the latter House by a large and unexpected majority, and has by the royal signature, become a law. Subsequently to these events the far famed Irish barrister, Daniel O'Connell, Esq. came forward and

C

claimed a seat in parliament, to which he had been elected before the passage of the Relief law. He was required by the Speaker of the Commons to take the oath prescribed to be taken by every member on being admitted to his seat, agreeably to the form contained in the law, as it stood before the Relief Bill was passed, and at the time of his, Mr. O'Connell's election. This he refused. Debate and delay ensued; but finally a large majority of the house adopted the Speaker's opinion, and on Mr. O'C.'s continuing his refusal, a motion made by the Solicitor General, was carried, "that the Speaker do issue his warrant to the clerk of the Crown in Ireland, to issue a new writ, subject to the provisions of the recent statute for the Relief of the Roman Catholicks, for the election of a member to serve in the present parliament, for the county of Clare." This resolution, however, appears to have been adopted entirely with a view to preserve consistency, without any hostility to Mr. O'Connell, and we presume there is no doubt that he will be re-elected, and be freely admitted to his seat under the new act, which prescribes an oath to which he has no objection. The agitation produced through the kingdom, by the proceedings in parliament on the Catholick question, appears to have subsided more speedily and generally than was expected. Indeed the opposers of the Catholick claims, with the exception of a few sturdy Church and State zealots, seem to have nearly lost their fears of the evils they predicted. We were glad to see an article taken from a London paper, stating that the Earl of Winchelsea, who fought the duel with the Duke of Wellington, felt so much compunction for that act as to refuse to continue a director of a religious institution, assigning for reason, that such an office did not become a man who had openly violated the law both of God and his country. We benevolently wish that the Duke also may be favoured with a large share of the same feeling, and that it may speedily find a place in the bosom of every duellist in the world.

The low wages of some mechanicks, of weavers especially, has recently become the subject of serious complaint. It is stated that at Spitalfield no less than 5000 weavers had struck for wages, and that no compromise had taken place between them and their employers at the last accounts. At Manchester formidable riots had occurred, but had happily been quieted. At Rochdale the rioters could not be subdued till the military interposed, and after bearing much insult, fired on the mob, killed five individuals, and wounded 25 others. It appears that trade is in a very depressed state both in Britain and France.

FRANCE.-The late minister of foreign affairs in France, was compelled to resign his office, in consequence of his unpopularity-he was unable to carry his measures in the legislative chambers. The monarch, and the remaining members of the administration have, it appears, been much embarrassed in the choice of a successor. Much influence was used to secure the services of the Duke of Laval Montmorency, on account of his popularity, and the numerous friends he had in the chambers; but he has absolutely refused to take office with the present administration, and the under secretary in the department of justice, M. Bordeau, is for the present made keeper of the seals. The Court, it seems, is at issue with both parties in the legislative body, and it is conjectured that the dissolution of the chambers will be the consequence. An expedition, both by sea and land, against Algiers is talked of, but there is as yet no evidence that it is seriously contemplated. Alarming riots, occasioned by the want of provisions and employment, have occurred in several parts of France, as well as of England. On the whole, there appears to be much agitation in this kingdom at present, and yet we perceive nothing that threatens a disastrous change.

SPAIN. The king of Spain is either infatuated enough to resolve on endeavouring to regain a part of his former possessions in Southern America, or else he pretends to have adopted such a resolution, with a view to engage the refugees from Mexico, to pour the treasures they have carried with them into his empty coffers. An expedition, consisting of twenty thousand men, is said to be on foot against Mexico, and formida ble demonstrations are made from the Havana, avowedly for the purpose of securing this object. Time will show the result. It is greatly to be regretted, that the civil dissentions in the South American republicks encourage their enemies, and enfeeble and distress themselves. Perhaps the pressure of foreign war is again necessary to unite them among themselves. The queen of Spain died on the 7th of May.

PORTUGAL.-The latest accounts from Portugal represent the affairs of that kingdom as being in no better situation. Twenty-three Constitutionalists were condemned in April, as having been concerned in the insurrection at Oporto last year, twelve of whom were executed, and eleven banished. The expedition to Terceira,* sailed on

One of the Azores islands which has not submitted to Don Miguel. It is 54 miles in circumference, healthy and fertile. It is now the favourite resort of the Portuguese refugees.