under the directions of Providence, he has been the means of delivering us from the iron grasp of the Burmans. May God reward him a hundred-fold, and prepare him for the future enjoyment of heaven!

"Rangoon, March 22, 1826. "We have, my dear Mr. Butterworth, safely arrived in Rangoon, and once more find ourselves in the old mission house! What shall we render to the Lord for all his mercies?

"You will see from the public prints the treaty of peace. We intend going to one of the places retained by the English Government, and endeavour once more to collect a little church around us. Mah Men-lay and her sister we found at Prome: they are as pious as ever, and will follow wherever we go.

66

Burmah will yet be given to Jesus for his inheritance! We are not discouraged, but think our prospects brighter than ever. We shall have as many schools as we can support at Mergui or Tavoy, to which places the Burmese population are flocking in crowds."

Since the date of the above, Dr. Price writes to a gentleman in America (April 7),

I am happy to have it in my power, to inform you of the health and safety of our dear brother and sister Judson. They are now in Rangoon, and are waiting to take passage to some port under the protection of the British government. As for myself, I propose remaining in Ava, to take advantage of the present change of feeling in the Burman government. I think the prospect extremely fair for missionaries, either under the British or Burman flag; and I cannot but look forward to no distant period, when, like Otaheite, they also shall shake off the trammels of superstition and idolatry; and join to seek the one living and true God."

Mrs. Judson again states, in a letter dated March 28, that "there was a probability of establishing as many schools as could be supported.'

Our readers may refer back to our vol. for 1824, p. 592, for an account of the establishment and proceedings of the Burmese mission.

FOREIGN.

PORTUGAL.-The cortes have met and begun to proceed to the work of legislation. The speech of the queen regent, at the opening of the chambers, expresses a strong assurance of the stability of the new order of affairs in that kingdom. The Infant Don Miguel has taken the prescribed oath to the constitutional charter, and is to marry the young queen. Still the speech admits that internal opposition has not ceased; and it virtually betrays the fact that a still more formidable opposition is to be found in the hostile feelings of some foreign nations. The government, however, relies upon the decided support of Great Britain, and the "fraternal reciprocity" of other countries. Mr. Canning has expressed in parliament the necessity of our maintaining a fleet in the Tagus to keep in check the foreign enemies of the new constitution. Had the late Lord Londonderry decidedly adopted, from the first, that line of policy in our intercourse with the continent which the interests and the humanity of this country equally demanded, Spain and Naples, with probably many other parts of southern and central Europe, would by this time have been in the enjoyment of free institutions, civil and religious; and much treasure and bloodshed have been spared to the nations. It is among the best blessings resulting from

the new constitutional governments, that they have turned their most anxious attention to the education of the people. We rejoice to learn from the queen regent's speech, that Portugal is about to follow this excellent example; and that the instruction of the people is relied upon as the best security for good morals, and for the stability of the constitution.

DOMESTIC.

Parliament has met; but the only professed business for which it is convened before the usual meeting in February, is to grant an indemnity to ministers for the late Orders in Council, opening the ports for the admission of certain kinds of foreign pulse and grain. The king's speech-from the plan, of late years pursued, of including nothing in it which can give occasion to much difference of opinion, or provoke an amendment to the address-is avowedly barren of information respecting the views or intentions of government, in regard either to our domestic or foreign policy. It merely notices the late Orders in Council; expresses his majesty's satisfaction at the termination of the Burmese war; states that foreign powers continue to declare their peaceful views towards this country, and that his majesty will continue to use his efforts to promote peace abroad; and lastly, la

ments that the manufacturing distresses have not subsided so rapidly as his majesty hoped would have been the case. No allusion is made to the corn laws, to Ireland, to the slavery question, and various other subjects on which the public are anxiously waiting for the announcement of the plans of government. With regard, however, to the first of these points, ministers have expressed their determination to bring in a bill upon the meeting of parliament early next year. Their object is understood to be, to allow of the importation of all kinds of grain at all times, upon the payment of fixed imposts, the adjustment of which is likely to cause warm debates. We are happy to add, that his majesty was able to deliver the speech in person. His royal brother also, the Duke of York, is said to have recovered from his late severe indisposition.

The last few weeks have continued to disclose not a few nefarious scenes of dishonesty and fraud, in connexion with some of the joint-stock companies; the rapid rise and fall of which will long be remembered as an era in our commercial history. Vague censure may probably have fallen on some companies, and on various individuals, not at all, or only partially deserving of it; but, allowing the utmost for this just extenuation, the disgraceful proceedings which have been disclosed, reflect a most painful light on the character of that worldly honour which exists apart from religion, or with only a false pretence to it. It is most distressing to find the names of persons in various departments of respectable life, some even in stations of considerable influence or elevation, lending themselves, for sordid considerations, to speculations the most illusory, and in many instances to transactions highly discre

ditable. The nation has great cause to feel humbled in the sight of God, for its commercial sins, (including the gigantic one of our slave system,) which have been severely visited by the afflictions that have been permitted to fall upon us. Let us then seek forgiveness from Him who, in great wrath, will still remember mercy, provided we repent; and fear lest, having been often and loudly reproved, "if we still harden our necks, we shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy." Let us implore him to pardon our national pride, our luxury, our worship of mammon, which, in common with various other sins, witness loudly against us. Let us pray that he would not visit, either upon parliament or the country, the sins of the late election ; the drunkenness and gluttony, the bribery and corruption, the falsehood and slander, which may have polluted this great national solemnity. Let us especially feel humbled for the sins which have of late so painfully prevailed in quarters where, if any where, we might have expected to witness a more holy and peaceful spirit; for the spirit of bitter hostility towards their brethren which has displayed itself in the very recesses of professed truth, religion, and charity; for the sins of our "most holy things;" the unchristian weapons which have been unsheathed, even by some of those who more decidedly profess to "name the name of Christ," and are therefore more solemnly pledged to depart from all "iniquity" of speech or conduct.-But we forbear-let our readers pursue the subject in their own reflections; and we doubt not they will find ample cause both for rejoicing on the one hand, and for humiliation on the other, at the survey of our national privileges and our national transgressions.

Rev. R. Jones, Little Leigh P.C. Ches. Rev. R. Ridsdale, Kirdford V. Sussex. Rev. H. A. Rous, Reydon V. Suffolk. Rev. R. S. Skillicome, Salford R. Oxf. Rev.C.W.Hughes, Dulverton, V.Somer. Rev. J. Ward, Great Bedwin V. Wilts. Rev. E. Wilson, St. Michael's C. Bath. Rev. F. R. Hall, Fulbourn R. co. Camb. Rev.C.B. Bruce, Chap. to Duke of York. Rev. T. Henderson, Chaplain to the Earl of Verulam.

No. 300.]

(Concluded from p. 648.)

AS young Murray's mind improved, and his views enlarged, he became still more attached to literary pursuits. He wished for a profession connected with these pursuits; and the study of the law particularly attracted his attention; but his father took great pains to divert his thoughts from the subject. He represented the temptations which he would have to encounter in the practice of the law; and which, he said, would probably lead him to deviate from the principles and conduct of that religious society of which he was a member. His father however at length consented; and Lindley, four years from the commencement of his law studies, was called to the bar; and received a licence to practise, both as counsel and attorney, according to the custom of that time, in all the courts of the province of New York. His business answered the expectations he had formed; and his family and friends were satisfied with the prospects which attended him.

About the twenty-second year of his age, he married the lady who survives him. "We have lived together," he says, in his auto-biographical detail, "more than forty years; and through the whole course of that period, she has been to me a truly affectionate and excellent wife. In all our varied conditions of life, I have received from her the most unequivocal proofs of attachment, and solicitude for my welfare. During my long confinement, on account of bodily infirmities, she CHRIST. OBSERV. No. 300.

tenderly sympathized with me; and been cordially disposed to forego her own ease, to afford me assistance and comfort. She has indeed been a great blessing to me; and I have abundant cause to be deeply thankful to God for this unmerited favour, and its continuance to the present time. It yields me great satisfaction, to perceive that our esteem and love for each other have not diminished with advancing years. The evening of our day has, indeed, been illumined by brighter rays than those which our morning or meridian light afforded. And I earnestly hope, that, whilst life remains, we shall be favoured by Divine grace to cherish those sentiments and virtues which will exalt the happiness of our union, support us under every trial, and prepare our minds for the enjoyment of a better world." This passage is copied for the sake of the truly interesting and useful picture which it presents. Fictitious narrative is full of the delights of youthful attachment: it is therefore cheering to find, from the occurrences of real life, that there are pleasures and sympathies in reserve for more mature years, when the visions of youthful romance have long passed away. "All the world," says Mr. Cunningham, with true pathos," are delighted to watch the young as they grow up together: to me it is not less delightful to see the old wear out together-to see two creatures, of distinct tempers and passions, by degrees, meeting into one-to see how happy those may be, who habitually prefer the happiness of 4 Y

another to their own-to see, finally, real love, like a flower blooming amidst ruins, surviving the vigour of the body, and all those attractions on which it is thought to depend." Mr. Murray states, that in the practice of the law, pecuniary interest was not his only rule of action. When circumstances would properly admit of it, he endeavoured to persuade the person who was threatened with a prosecution, to pay the debt, or make satisfaction, without the trouble and expense of a suit. In doubtful cases, he frequently recommended a settlement of differences, by arbitration. He did not recollect that he had ever encouraged a client to proceed at law, when he thought his cause unjust or indefensible. In the retrospect of this mode of practice, he had always had great satisfaction; and he was persuaded that a different procedure would have been the source of many painful recollections. His business was very successful, and continued to increase till the troubles in America commenced. A general failure of proceedings in the courts of law then took place. This circumstance, joined to a severe illness, which had left him in a feeble state of health, induced him to remove to a situation on Long-Island, in the district of Islip, about forty miles from the city of New York. Here he concluded to remain till the political storm should blow over, and the horizon become again clear and settled. In this situation, he became extremely attached to the pleasures of shooting, and fishing, and sailing in the bay. The loss which he sustained, by not sufficiently attending, at this time, to literary and professional pursuits, he considered to be incalculable. The recollection also of the time which he spent in shooting, and idly sailing about the bay, afforded him no satisfaction in a moral and religious point of view. That time, he says, might have been employed in doing good to others; in the society and converse of pious and

virtuous persons; and in the perusal of the sacred volume, and other religious books, tending to establish the heart and life in the love and practice of piety. About a year after his residence at Islip, the country became greatly distressed from the scarcity of salt, the British cruisers preventing the introduction of that article. Young Murray in consequence erected some salt works, and was just ready to begin the manufacture, when the British forces took possession of LongIsland, and the article of salt was abundantly introduced into the country. His loss was considerable; but the employment which he had, in devising and superintending these works, was not destitute of advantage to him.

After he had resided at Islip about four years, he became dissatisfied with a mode of life which consisted chiefly in amusement and bodily exercise, and he also perceived the necessity of doing something that would provide permanent funds for the expenses of his family. The practice of the law was completely superseded: he had therefore no prospect of any considerable employment, but by settling at New York, and entering into mercantile concerns. Every year now added to his capital, till, about the period of the establishment of American Independence, he found himself able to gratify his favourite wishes, and retire from business. But his pleasant prospects were soon overcast: the cup of promised sweets was not allowed to approach his lips. A severe fit of illness left him in so infirm and debilitated a state of body, and the tone of his muscles was so much impaired, that he could walk but little; and this relaxation continued to increase. His friends, alarmed at his situation, recommended travelling. He therefore set off with Mrs. Murray for Pennsylvania, and soon established himself in Bethlehem, a pleasant town about fifty miles from Philadelphia. Bethlehem is a settlement of the

Moravians; among whom Mr. Murray soon found much to occupy his mind, and gratify his curiosity. The different houses appropriated to the single brethren, the single sisters, and the widows, with the various economy of the society, were subjects of an interesting nature. The spirit of moderation, the government of the passions, and the tranquillity and happiness, which appeared to pervade every part of this retired settlement, made on his mind a strong and pleasing impression. In one of his rural excursions, he observed a gate which opened into some grounds that were very picturesque. Without proper consideration, he desired his servant to open it; and entering he almost immediately observed a group of cheerful, neatly dressed young women approaching. They had been gathering blackberries, a rich fruit in that country; and each of them had a little basket in her hand filled with this sort of fruit. The number of this cheerful group was about thirty, between the ages of fifteen and twenty-five. He took the liberty of addressing them in a short speech; in which he observed that it gave him particular pleasure to see them so happy: that their situation was indeed enviable, and singularly adapted to produce much real enjoyment, and to protect them from the follies, the vices, and the miseries, of the world that if they knew the troubles and exposures, which are to be met with in the general intercourse of life, they would doubly enjoy their safe and tranquil seclusion from those dangers, and be thankful for the privileges they possessed. The smiled, and some of them said that they were indeed happy in their situation. These young persons reported to their su periors the whole of this transaction, with what had been said on the occasion. But he found that, notwithstanding his intrusion, he had lost no credit with the elderesses; who sent to inform the sick gentleman, (this

was the term by which he was de signated,) that he was welcome' whenever he chose, to ride in the grounds appropriated to the walks of the females. He acknowledged the favour of so great a privilege; but as he could not think it entirely proper to make use of it, he never repeated his visit. He was greatly delighted with the general economy of the society; but he thought that to detach from many of the advantages and duties of society, young persons in the full possession of health, strength, and spirits, was a very questionable policy; though some important moral uses were derived from the institutions which respected the single brethren and the single sisters.

By the advice of his physician, Mr. Murray determined to try the effect of a more favourable climate, and to make a short residence in England; for which country he embarked, with Mrs. Murray, near the close of the year 1784. In contemplating the place where they were to reside, it was their special desire, that their lot might be cast in the neighbourhood and society of religious and exemplary persons. They had felt, he says, the danger of intercourse with persons who seemed to make the pleasures of this life the great object of their attention; and had derived comfort, and some degree of religious strength, from the society and example of good and pious persons. In this desire of being settled favourably for the cultivation of their best interests, they had the happiness of being gratified; and they considered this privilege as one of the greatest blessings of their lives.

"Our attachment to England," says Mr. Murray, "was founded on many pleasing associations. In particular, I had strong prepossessions in favour of a residence in this country; because I was ever partial to its political constitution, and the mildness and wisdom of its general system of laws. I knew that, under this excellent govern