baptizers?-Deacons were never ecclesiastical Rulers-The office of Deacon dropped by many Presbyterian Churches -The offices of Ruling Elder and Deacon united in the same men, in Scotland and the United States-This not desirable Reasons for this opinion.

Chapter XI.-The qualifications proper for the office of Ruling Eider-It is not necessary that they be aged persons-It is of the utmost importance that they have unfeigned and approved piety-That they possess good sense and sound judgment— That they be orthodox, and well informed in gospel truth-That they have eminent prudence-That they be of good report among them who are without-That they be men of public spirit-That they be men of ardent zeal, and importunate prayer.

Chapter XII.-Of the Election of Ruling Elders-Who are proper Electors?Ought they to be elected for life, or only for a limited time?-Of the number of Elders proper for each Church-Of those who may be considered as eligible to this office-whether a man may be a Ruling Elder in more than one Church at the same time.

Ruling Elders-Ordination a necessary designation to office-Proofs from Scripture The laying on of hands-Not always connected with the special gifts of the Spirit-This ceremony ought to be employed in the ordination of Ruling Elders-Probable reason of its falling into disuse-Authorities in favour of its restoration-Who ought to lay on hands in the Ordination of Elders-Advantages of imposing hands in ordaining this class of officers.

Chapter XIV.-On the resignation of Ruling Elders-Their removal from one Church to another-The method of conducting discipline against them.

Chapter XV-The advantages of conducting discipline upon the Presbyterian plan-It is founded on the principle of Representation-It presents one of the best barriers against Clerical ambition and encroachments-furnishes one of the best securities for preserving the rights of the people-Furnishes to Ministers efficient counsel and support-Favourable to despatch and energy-Accomplishes that which cannot be attained in any other way-Favourable to union and co-operation in enterprises of Christian benevo

Temperature of the Earth.-It is stated that the evidence is accumulating in favour of the theory that the temperature of the earth increases as we descend below its surface. In some places, by means of natural and artificial excavations, the earth has been penetrated to the depth of 1600 feet. The result of the observations made in the different excavations in different parts of the globe is, that there is "an increase of heat amounting to about 1 deg. of Fahrenheit for every 46 feet in depth; that at the depth of 10,000 feet the heat would be sufficient to boil water, and that at the depth of about 100 miles, or one-fortieth part of the distance to the centre, the heat would be intense enough

to melt most of the earths and stones that are known to enter into the composition of the globe." This theory, says the American Almanac, if established, is calculated to have an important bearing on the explanation of the phenomena of earthquakes and volcanoes, and opens a wide field for the speculations of the natural historian and geologist.

Tansy. This herb may frequently be observed growing in the country church

yards, which induces us to think it was formerly used as a funeral plant. Tansy has this peculiar virtue, that if any dead animal substance be rubbed with it, the flesh fly will not attack it. Boerhaave says, the leaves applied to a dead body, and intruded into the mouth and nostrils, preserve it from putrefaction and insects; whence the plant has been called Athanasia, that is, immortal plant.

Review) for increasing the power of the An ingenious plan (says an English voice, has been carried into execution at Attercliff's church, near Sheffield. It is effected by erecting a concave sounding board, to act as a reflector behind the reading desk and pulpit, with the speak

er's voice near the focus of the concave. The effect of this reflector, it is said, increases the power of the voice five times beyond the ordinary volume, so that it

can be heard in the most distant corner of the church.

A letter from Messina, dated March, says, "After having for several days experienced several shocks of an earthquake, of more or less violence, we have witnessed a new opening in the crater of

Mount Etna, which was followed by a considerable eruption. As this opening did not take place towards Catania, in the direction of the sea, as has usually been the case, but towards the west, the stream of lava took a direction to the interior."

Flies upon Pictures.-The following simple way of preventing flies from sitting on pictures, or any other furniture, is well experienced, and will, if generally used, prevent trouble and damage: Let a large bunch of leeks soak four or five days in a pailful of water, and wash the picture, or any other piece of furniture, with it-the flies will never come near any thing so washed.

An Arab ship arrived from the Red Sea, has brought 250 bales of cotton yarn, the manufacture of Ali Pacha, at his spinning mills near Cairo. It is reported that he has sent 500 bales to Surat, 1000 to Calcutta, and that he intends next season to send long cloths, Madapollams, &c. having established steam power looms!

These goods are at present admitted to 60 per cent. invoice cost, besides 4 per

customs.

What will the mercantile community say to this new competition?-Bombay Courier, August 21.

American Silk.-The success which has so far attended the attempts to cultivate this article in America, is a matter

of as much surprise in England, as of gratification on this side of the Atlantic. A Liverpool paper of February 10, says: "The ship Monongahela, Captain Dixey, which arrived here from Philadelphia a few days ago, has brought to this country a new article of commerce from America, namely, 12 lbs. of raw silk.

"It is to the exertions of Peter S. Duponceau, Esq. of Philadelphia, who, from patriotic motives, has formed an establishment, under the care of Mr. J. D'Homer. gue, late of Nismes, that the Americans owe the production of an article which may eventually be of considerable national importance, for the purpose either of export or home manufacture."

American Dates.-The Savannah Georgian mentions that a branch of young dates, taken from one of several date trees on Wilmington Island, near that city, cut down by the late severe weather, and which but for this misfortune, would no doubt have successfully matured. This tree, when raised by planting the axil of the leaves, remarks that paper, will bear in five or six years, but produced from the seed, fifteen to twenty years are required. In the northern part of Africa, in Persia, the Levant, &c. it grows over sixty feet high, with a straight trunk

crowned by a tuft of pendant leaves ten or twelve feet long.

Heat of the Night in London.-The celebrated meteorologist, Luke Howard, discovered a very singular difference between the temperature of the night in the metropolis and in the country a few miles distant. On an average of ten years, the night temperature of London was found to be considerably the highest, giving 44 deg. 80 min. while that of the country was only 41 deg. 10 min. The mean variation of the temperature from the heat of the day to the cold of the night, is, in London, 11 deg. 34 min.; in the country, 15 deg. 40 min. the greater mean variation being 4 deg. 4 min. in the country. It renders the preceding facts more striking that the same does not hold of the temperature by day, the average difference between the metropolis and country, when taken by the month, being sometimes above, sometimes below, and at others nearly parallel with that in the country.

Palm Leaf Hats.-Most of our readers have no idea, probably, of the extent to which the manufacture of palm leaf hats is carried in this state. In several towns we might mention, from twenty to fifty thousand are annually made. Two establishments in Barre, those of Messrs. Woods and Lee, sent to market last year, It is calcuseventy-five thousand each lated that last year there were made in New England nine hundred thousand, and the present year two millions, of this species of hats. They are sold for about $3 a dozen, and shipped to the southern states, and some to South America, where they form a favourite article of summer wear.-. -Boston Traveller.

Sheet Lead Manufactory.-We are informed that Messrs. Tilton & Parker, of Galena, have put their sheet lead manufactory into operation near that place. They are able to roll five thousand lbs. per day. The lead is delivered from the rollers in sheets of fifty feet in length and three feet breadth, and of any required thickness. There is no doubt that sheet lead will soon supply the place of shingles as a covering for the roofs of houses. Illinois Ploughboy.

Lusus Natura.-A farmer in this neighbourhood, took from his poultry yard an egg, laid by a common hen, weighing 54 ounces, and which when broken, was found to enclose a perfect egg of common size. The outer egg, though having a thin shell and of irregular shape, was every way perfect, and contained beside the egg a regular yolk and white-so that when both shells were emptied, their

contents had every appearance of having been two unconnected eggs.-New Haven

Adv.

A French chemist has discovered that

potatoes one-third boiled, effectually sup ply the place of soap in washing linen. That their farina is a useful ingredient in starch, has long been known.

The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, commenced its annual meeting in the First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, on Thursday, the 19th of the last month, at eleven o'clock, A. M., and was opened with a sermon by the Rev. Ezra Fisk, D.D. the moderator of the last year from Acts xxvi. 18. In the afternoon of the same day, after the examination of the commissions of the members, by the committee appointed for the purpose, the Assembly proceeded to the choice of a moderator-Two candidates only were in nomination-the Rev. Drs. Spring and Beeman, both of the state of New York. On taking the vote, it appeared that Dr. Beeman was elected-he having 102 votes, and Dr. Spring 92. The Rev. Jacob Green was chosen temporary clerk. The whole number of members of this Assembly, including delegates from corresponding churches, was 235. We find by our statement of last year, that the number of members then was 185, and that this was a larger number, by about 25, than that of any preceding year. The increase for the present year is, it appears, 50-double the increase of the last year; and if this increase be again doubled in the coming year, as it probably will be, the next Assembly will consist of no less than 335 members.

On the evening which preceded the convening of the General Assembly, a meeting took place in the room in which the sessions of the Assembly were expected to be held, for prayer for the Divine direction and blessing, in the ensuing delibe

rations and decisions of this important church judicature; and to make some arrangements for future devotional services, and for conferences on the means best calculated to promote religious revivals and vital piety. This meeting was pretty numerously attended; and the exercises were truly solema and impressive. Among the measures adopted, was one for holding a daily morning prayer-meeting, of one hour's continuance-from half after five till half after six o'clock

in the session room of the Assembly. This meeting was kept up during the whole time that the Assembly was in session. At five o'clock, in the afternoon of the first Sabbath after the meeting of the Assembly, the Lord's Supper was celebrated in the First Presbyterian Church; and the entire ground floor of this spacious building was occupied by communicants, convened from several churches in the city, to unite with the members of the Assembly, in the celebration of this solemn and delightful ordinance. The following Wednesday, agreeably to a standing rule of the Assembly, was exclusively appropriated to devotional exercises, private and publick. All the religious services which we have now mentioned, seemed to us to be conducted, and attended on, with deep solemnity-and we should hope with a measure of genuine Christian edification. Many other religious services were also performed, in the several Presbyterian churches of the city and liberties, in two of which the Lord's Supper was also administered.

It appeared to us, that a happy

influence was derived from the devotional exercises to which we have referred; and that this influence was sensibly felt, even amidst much that was calculated to produce unpleasant excitement, till the missionary concerns of the Assembly were brought forward. But in disposing of these concerns, there occurred such disorder and confusion as we have never before witnessed in the General Assembly, and which we devoutly pray may never be seen again.

We have hesitated whether we should express any opinion on the proceedings of the last Assembly, or suffer all, except what we have just mentioned, to pass in entire silence. We are not yet fully decided; but at present we strongly incline to offer, in our next number, our sentiments on several of the most important subjects which claimed the attention of the supreme judicatory of our church, at the sessions recently closed. We believe our readers expect from us this expression of our views, and may not be well satisfied if we refuse to give it. We also observe that other religious periodicals make no scruple of sitting in judgment on the proceedings of the Assembly, and of condemning some and approving others. Of this we are not disposed to complain. We live in a free country; and the proceedings of publick deliberative bodies, especially after the close of their sessions, are the proper subjects of temperate remarks. Having been a member of the last Assembly, and shared in its discussions, we are fully aware that our remarks may be considered as those of a party. Be it so; yet let it be remembered that a party may evince candour, temper and a love of truth; and our readers (if we write, as we at present think we shall,) will judge whether we are a party of this character or not. In the statement of facts, we shall use our best endeavours to be strictly VOL. IX.-Ch. Adv.

accurate, and will publickly correct any error into which we shall be convinced that we have been betrayed. Our opinions will stand for what they are worth.-The Assembly was dissolved on Monday evening, the 6th of June.

We subjoin the narrative of the state of religion adopted by the Assembly.

NARRATIVE

Of the State of Religion within the bounds of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, and of Corresponding Churches; May, 1831.

If the churches in this land are not un

faithful to God and to themselves, the prospects of our nation are brighter far than even our past history.

What wonders will open to the view of the philanthropist and the Christian who surveys this western world from the eminence of some fifty or sixty years hence! Already is our mountain of Zion watered and refreshed by copious showers. Plants of grace are springing up on every side, healthful and vigorous: and the Sun of Righteousness is rising upon it with healing in his beams.

The past year has been such a year of revivals and rejoicing in the church as never before was known in this land.

In former years details of revivals in the different churches have been given, but this year we can give only the name of the Presbyteries. And we are happy to say that forty-four have sent in reports of the visitation of God's Spirit, and of hundreds of sinners converted by his power. In the Presbyteries of Champlain, Albany, Troy, Watertown, Oneida, Onondaga, Tioga, Geneva, Ontario, RoOtsego, Chenango, Courtland, Cayuga, chester, Genesee, Niagara, Buffalo, North River, New York 1st, New York 3d, Erie, Huron, Cincinnati, and West Hanover, the beyond any that have ever before been revivals have been powerful and general reported to the Assembly. In the Pres byteries of Columbia, St. Lawrence, Oswego, Bath, Hudson, Bedford, Long town, Philadelphia, District of Columbia, Island, New York 2d, Newark, ElizabethCarlisle, Columbus, Chilicothe, Miami, Salem, Kaskaskia, Cleaveland and Charles.

ton Union, there have been revivals more or less powerful. Some of them in years past would have been denominated great and glorious works of grace, and in none of them are there less than two or three or more churches blessed by the Spirit, 2 Q

and some of them in a very signal manner. Besides these, some other Presbyteries have reported single churches which have been revived within their bounds. The whole number of the churches thus visited is more than three hundred and fifty. Many of these revivals are at this time in progress, some of them increasing in power and interest, and almost every week adds the name of some new churches to the favoured list. Our prayer to God is, that the number may never be diminished, nor the work decline, until not only every church, but every soul shall be blessed. How many are already subjects of renewing grace it is impossible to estimate with any degree of accuracy; but in this we may rejoice that many thousands of immortal souls who were but a few months ago enemies to Christ, and led captive by Satan, are now obedient servants to the Saviour, and rational expectants of eternal glory.

The character of this work, so far as we can learn, bas generally been such as the friends of God must approve, and desire to see continued,-still, solemn, and in some cases overwhelming. In general there has been but little to produce distrust, or to awaken fear in the mind of the most timid and cautious Christian. And it is worthy of remark, that we hear but little of open and violent opposition. The presence and power of God have been so manifest, that the most vile, though they refuse to repent, have not the hardihood to oppose or to revile. And for this we would give thanks to God, that while revivals are becoming more frequent, and more powerful, they are also becoming more pure from every thing of human origin.

In these great works of salvation some of all orders and ranks, and ages and character have been included. The child of six and seven years, yet in the infant school, and the aged sinner who had passed his four-score years in rebellion, have in the same congregation, been brought together at the feet of Jesus, and some of all the intermediate ages. The great and learned officers of state, and the most illiterate servants have been found together in the same prayer meeting, on a level before the throne of God. The man of wealth and the poor man, have united in begging for mercy of Him who is no respecter of persons. It is however, believed that no previous revival ever took so large a proportion of the wealth and learning and influence of society as this has done. Literary and professional men who are at the head of society giving the tone to public sentiment, have been brought into the kingdom, in far greater numbers than ever before was known. Moral men, who

have regarded themselves as approved of God on account of the purity of their lives, and the openly vicious and profane have been alike humbled before God on account of their vileness, and the just sentence of wrath which was upon them. In many instances the intemperate, tottering upon the verge of a drunkard's grave, have been rescued by the sovereign mercy of God, and made temperate, sober Christians. Some of every character and condition in life have been taken, so that we need not despair of any, but should labour and pray in hope and faith for all. In some congregations, especially in the western sections of the state of New York, the work has been so general and thorough that the whole customs of society have been changed. Amusements and all practices of a doubtful character, the object of which is simply pleasure, have been abandoned, and far higher and purer enjoyment is found in exercises of devotion, and engagements for the glory of God, and the salvation of men. So far as we can learn, the new converts come at once into all the designs and plans of benevolence which are the glory of the present day, and rejoice in bearing their part in the conversion of the world. Already have the treasuries of many be. nevolent societies felt their influence. It is also worthy of remark, that in very many instances, and we do not know but in all, where a person has wronged another, on his professing repentance before God, he has been solicitous to make a speedy and full restitution for the injury, and in all cases, the converts are immediately zealous friends of the temperance reformation, and friends of every thing that favours the cause of the Redeemer. All the effect of these revivals, that is worthy of regard, is the advancement of the cause of Christ in the hearts of individuals, in the church, and in the world. Should they continue and increase, as we pray they may, and produce no other effects than they have already done, they will shortly bring into our country all the blessings promised of God to the church in the latter days. They multiply the families that call on the name of the Lord; they change the moral aspect and habits of society, by giving the tone of christianity to publick sentiment and practice; they silence the clamour of opposers, and close the lips of the profane; they rescue the sabbath from under the feet of the impious, break up the deep and strong foundations of iniquity, disperse the assemblies of the wicked, and fill the churches of God from the haunts of dissipation. They close up the fountains from whence flow the desolating streams of intemperance, licentiousness and every vice; and give in