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have arrived at Jamaica, with a view of settling the terms of an amicable interCourse with the English; and we are happy to find, that no intention appears to be entertained on the part of our government of occupying any posts in that island. The consolidation of a black power in the West Indies opens an extensive field for speculations, respecting its probable influence on the colonial system of the European powers. We, who regard that system as radically vicious, and as involving this nation in a very high degree of bloodguiltiness-as affording, in short, a probable explanation of all those providential inflictions which, as a nation, we either experience or fear, cannot but regard with pleasure any event which holds forth a prospect, however remote, of its amelioration.

Thirteen armed schooners from GuadaJoupe, having seven hundred men on board destined to the attack of ANTIGUA, were met by an English frigate on the 5th of September. Three of them were taken, and the rest driven under the batteries of Guadaloupe.

Advices have been received of the capture, by his Majesty's arms, of the colonies

GREAT

On the 22nd instant, the session of parliament was opened, by the following most gracious speech of his Majesty to both Houses.

"My Lords, and Gentlemen,

"Since I last met you in parliament, it has been my chief object to carry into effect those measures which your wisdom had adopted for the defence of the united kingdom, and for the vigorous prosecution of the war. In these preparations I have been seconded by the voluntary exertions of all ranks of my people, in a manner that has, if possible, strengthened their claims to my confidence and affection: they have proved that the menaces of the enemy have only served to rouse their native and hereditary spirit; and that all other considerations are lost in a general disposition to make those efforts and sacrifices, which the honour and safety of the kingdom demand at this important and critical conjuncture.

"Though my attention has principally been directed to the great object of internal security, no opportunity has been lost of making an impression on the foreign possessions of the enemy. The islands of St. Lucia, of Tobago, of St. Pierre, and Miquelon, and the settlements of Demerara and Essequibo, have surrendered to the British arms. In the conduct of the operations by which those valuable acquisitious have been made, the utmost prompCHRIST. OBSERV. No. 23.

of DEMERARA and ESSEQUIBO, on the 19th of September. If we could persuade ourselves, that these successes were not a prelude to a great enlargement of the Slave Trade, and to a proportionable accumulation of the national guilt, our pleasure in contemplating them would be more unmixed. Our present minister has declared, on several occasions, his desire to prevent every unnecessary extension of the would, on this occasion, prove the sinceslave system. We should rejoice if he rity of his declaration by prohibiting, as might easily be done by an order of council, the importation of slaves into these from him the adoption of this measure; colonies. A regard to consistency requires by considerations of national policy; since a measure which is equally demanded the transfer of British capital to our recent peace, to swell the commercial resources of conquests will only serve, in the event of rival which cannot fail to prove ruinous our enemies; and in any case to raise up a in the end to our old colonies.

We are sorry to hear, that some additional regiments have been ordered to the soldiery. West Indies, that grave of our gallant

BRITAIN.

titude and zeal have been displayed by the officers employed on those services, and by my forces acting under their command by sea and land.

"In Ireland, the leaders, and several inferior agents, in the late traitorous and atrocious conspiracy, have been brought to justice; and the public tranquillity has exdulge the hope, that such of my deluded perienced no further interruption. I insubjects as have swerved from their allegiance are now convinced of their error; and that having compared the advantages they derive from the protection of a free constitution, with the condition of those countries which are under the dominion of the French Government, they will cordially and zealously concur in resisting any curity and independance of my united attempt that may be made against the sekingdom.

"Gentlemen of the House of Commons. "I have a perfect reliance on your public spirit for making such provision as may be necessary for the service of the year. The progressive improvement of the revenue in the system which has been adopted, of cannot fail to encourage you to persevere defraying the expences of the war, with as debt, and to the permanent burthens of little addition as possible to the public the state.

"I lament the heavy pressure which, under the present circumstances, must una 4 U

voidably be experienced by my people; but I am persuaded that they will meet it with the good sense and fortitude which so eminently distinguish their character, under a conviction of the indispensable importance of upholding the dignity, and of providing effectually for the safety of the

empire.

"My Lords and Gentlemen,

"I have concluded a convention with the King of Sweden, for the purpose of adjusting all the differences which have arisen on the subject of the eleventh article of the treaty of 1661. I have directed that a copy of this convention should be laid before you; and you will, I trust, be of opinion that the arrangement, whilst it upholds our maritime rights, is founded on those principles of reciprocal advantage which are best calculated to maintain and improve the good understanding which happily subsists between the two countries.

"In the prosecution of the contest in which we are engaged, it shall be, as it has ever been, my first object to execute as becomes me, the great trust committed to my charge. Embarked with my brave and loyal people in one common cause, it is my fixed determination, if the occasion should arise, to share their exertions and their dangers in the defence of our constitution, our religion, our laws, and independance. To the activity and valour of my flects and armies, to the zeal and unconquerable spirit of my faithful subjects, I confide the honour of my crown, and all those valuable interests which are involved in the issue of this momentous contest.

"Actuated by these sentiments, and humbly imploring the blessing of Divine Providence, I look forward with a firm conviction, that if, contrary to all just expectation, the enemy should elude the vigilance of my numerous fleets and cruisers, and attempt to execute their presumptuous threat of invading our coasts, the consequence will be to them, discomfiture, confusion, and disgrace; and that our's will not only be the glory of surmounting present difficulties, and repelling immediate danger, but the solid and permanent advantage of fixing the safety and independance of the kingdom on the basis of acknowledged strength, the result of its own tried energy and resources."

An address, in terms corresponding with the speech, was voted in both houses without occasioning any debate.

Every thing is said to be preparing for his Majesty's hoisting his standard, the moment the alarm is given of an enemy appearing upon the coast.

The following are the general orders issued by the Duke of York, subsequent to the review of the volunteers by his Msjesty in Hyde Park, on the 20th and 28th ult.

"Horse Guards, Oct. 29, 1803.

"His Royal Highness the commander in chief has received the king's command to convey to the several volunteer and associated corps, which were reviewed in Hyde Park on the 26th and 28th instant, his Majesty's highest approbation of their appearance, which has equalled his Majesty's utmost expectation.

"His Majesty perceives, with heartfelt satisfaction, that the spirit of loyalty and patriotism, on which the system of the armed volunteers throughout the kingdom was originally founded, has risen with the exigencies of the times, and at this moment forms such a bulwark to the constitution and liberties of the country, as will enable us, under the protection of Providence, to bid defiance to the unprovoked malice of our enemies, and to hurl back with becoming indignation, the threats which they have presumed to vent against our independance, and even our existence as a nation.

"His Majesty has observed, with peculiar pleasure, that, amongst the unprecedented exertions which the present circumstances of the country have called forth, those of the capital of his united kingdom have been eminently conspicuous; the appearance of its numerous and well-regu lated volunteer corps, which were review, ed on the 26th and 28th inst. indicates a degree of attention and emulation, both in officers and men, which can proceed only from the deep sense of the important objects for which they have enrolled themselves, a just estimation of the blessings we have so long enjoyed, and a firm and manly determination to defend them like Britons, and transmit them unimpaired to our posterity.

"The commander in chief has the highest satisfaction in discharging his duty, by communicating these his Majesty's most gracious sentiments, and requests that the commanding officers will have recourse to the readiest means of making the same known to their respective corps.

"FREDERICK, Commander in Chief."

OBITUARY,

To the Editor of the Christian Observer. HAVING intimated (Chris. Observ. Vol. I. p, 635), ny intention of sending to you

some account of my four adult children, whom it has pleased God to remove from me; and having experienced your kind attention to the three accounts which I have

already sent, my delay in sending the fourth seems to require an apology.

The truth is, I was afraid of being too obtrusive upon the patience of your readers, by such multiplied anecdotes of my own family. Having now reason to hope, by intimations from different quarters, that the completion of my design will prove agreeable to many who are constant readers of your miscellany, I proceed to finish the plan which I proposed in my first let

ter.

The youngest of my departed sons, (as he afterwards assured us when in the immediate views of death) had many religious impressions upon his mind during his childhood; but no solid change of heart seemed to take place till about the fourteenth year of his age. When a little boy, he was artful and selfish. His capacity was quick; but he wanted the openness and friendliness of his brother, of whom I last sent you an account. They were companions at school and at the university, for they both made choice of the ministry; though that choice was inade in a full view of its being a renunciation of all worldly prospects for Christ's sake. This idea I pressed strongly upon their minds. When, by the power of divine grace, their hearts were renewed in righteousness, they became united by the most intimate friendship and tender affection towards each other. The following letter written by the younger to the elder, when they were school-boys, shews the foundation of their friendship, and manifests the state of the writer's mind.

He was at this time in his fifteenth year, and was about to follow his brother, who had a short time before been removed to H. It was written after an interview with each other amongst some friends. The simplicity of the style must be excused.

"Dear J

"I was much obliged to you for your wishing to have been able to speak to me on subjects of a religious kind. I often desired it, but one thing or other hindered it. I plainly perceived you would second me in any thing towards the welfare of my soul. I am glad I have an opportunity, by Mr. D―, to thank you for your kind letter which I received at T- It was more pleasant than one on any other subject. I read it over and over, and I hope it did me much good. Oh! it is a hard thing to be truly humble, so much pride in one thing and another. I try to suppress it as much as I can by passages of scripture. I pray to God to help me to do it, and I trust I shall in some measure conquer it. I think of these passages. Man is only sinful dust and ashes-a poor worm of the earth. Humble thyself under the mighty hand of God, and he shall exalt thee in due time. So much vanity lies in the heart;

prayer seems the best means to conquer it: prayer with diligence and faith. I have looked diligently, and I think I have perceived many things in which God has answered me. I am often troubled with wicked thoughts, yet God in general gives me to conquer them. How delightful is it to meditate on the love of Christ, and to seem to have a view of him with all the holy angels with him in heaven. It makes one wish to depart from this sinful world, and go to him, there to be with him face to face, serving him without ceasing day and night, and to be the sons of God. This is, indeed, such a privilege as no human heart can be aware of. When one's mind seems to grow weary in well doing, then these words are very cheering, Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life," &c.

The greatest part of his life was passed in a state of afiliction, as inay be seen from the following general account of his trials. When he was about six years old, he had the misfortune to receive violent blow upon his head, which separated part of the scalp from the bone. During the progress of healing, the glands in his neck, on the injured side, became enlarged, and after the wound was healed the disease extended itself to the opposite side of the neck. Repeated attacks of this disease took place, year after year, on which account it was judged proper that he should spend a considerable part of the summer season either at the sea, or an inland watering place. The latter seemed peculiarly useful to him, and was chiefly the place of his abode. There he promoted the establishment of Sunday schools, which he superintended with great diligence; and he there contracted a great friendship for two or three poor pious men, who were employed as masters.

Besides the affliction which I have mentioned, he was subject to violent headachs, especially upon any close meutal application. This disorder proved a great impediment to his learning: yet such was his capacity and application at school and at the university, that he obtained two classical prizes in his own college, and was placed on an equality with the first of his year for mathematical knowledge.

Before he left the university a general debility supervened, so that he was at last obliged to forego his disputations in the schools, as he was unable either to prepare for this exercise, or to stand for the purpose of carrying it on. He was carried in a chair to the senate-house, when he took his degree of batchelor of arts.

After quitting the university he was unable to attend to any discourse that was long, or that required close application of mind in the hearer. An attempt to exercise his mental powers in this way brought on immediately a head-ach, and an increase of his general debility.

During the winter, after he returned home, he went out frequently in an open carriage, which he preferred to a close one; but the severity of the weather, after some time, affected his breast with a sense of soreness. A spitting of blood came on, which was soon succeeded by a cough and a confirmed consumption, of which he died in May following.

But to return. When he was at school with the Reverend Mr. R-, he was exercised in the excellent customs of writing down the sermon after his return from Church, and keeping a journal of his private thoughts and common transactions, with a promise from his master that these secret papers should never be inspected by him. I repeatedly saw these journals lying amongst his papers when he was at home; but I scrupulously abstained from inspecting them. He continued this cus-. tom as long as he was able to write; but during his last illness he destroyed all that he had written previously to his going to the university. The remainder he gave to one of his sisters, with the following note prefixed.

"Some of my journals I have burnt, because there was too much talk and too little'sincerity. As far as I know myself, these are more sincere; but they should be called R. H's good wishes, and not the account of the state of his soul. Read them so, and if they do you good, I shall be glad of it. Your affectionate brother." In his nineteenth year, while he was yet at school, he made a solemn dedication of himself to God; and in that transaction made use of the shorter form proposed by the pious Dr. Doddridge, adding a sentence relative to his intended future employment in the ministry. This solemn instrument was kept secret from his most intimate friends, but was found amongst his private papers after his death.

The change wrought in him by divine grace, truly exemplified the description of a realChristian given by the apostle, If any man be in Christ, he is a NEW CREATURE. 2 Cor. v. 17. Instead of the low cunning and selfishness, which prevailed in him when a boy, he becaine open, generous, and affectionate; and while his attentions to those who were about him partook of an easy politeness, he manifested on all occasions a considerable degree of heavenlymindedness. His real character will be clearly discerned by the following extracts from his journals, and the minutes of conversations with his most intimate friends and relations. His views of his own spiritual state were not always alike. His disorder often created a depression of spirits, which cast a gloom upon his spiritual comforts, though it did not always destroy his

cheerfulness.

Soon after his arrival at the university, in the conclusion of his nineteenth year, he made the following observations in his jour

nal:-"Hither am I come to finish my studies for the ministry. O Lord, impress it upon my mind, that I am now preparing to be thy servant, to speak in thy name to those who are enemies to thee. Since 1 came hither I set apart an evening to look over my act of self-dedication, with a design to direct my views aright. I rejoice that I made that act. O that I had kept it with more sincerity, zeal, and love. Lord, by thy grace, I resolve to seek thy face, and be thy servant, and seek the salvation of my soul through my Redeemer, notwithstanding the scoffs and jests of a profane and wicked world. O grant me sincerity, and lead me in the right way; and teach me in all my ways to acknowledge thee, so shalt thou direct my paths."

After he had been about three months at the university, he took a review of his conduct, his studies, and the temper of his mind. In this part of his journal, I find the following declaration:-"I think, as far as I can discover of my heart, I would love my Saviour, and consent more and more to his dominion over me. There is a strong body of sin yet in me. My Saviour, I come to thee without money and without price, hoping for thy merciful aid to enlighten my eyes that I may know thee.

As the all-wise Providence of God has placed me here, let me consider the duties more particularly incumbent on me."

These duties he enumerates, and then adds,-" O Lord, teach me this, that laying aside every besetting sin, I may run with patience the race set before me. The more I grow in grace, and the knowledge of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, the more pure and blameless will my conduct be; and the more fitted shall I be for the important office of the ministry. May I here count the cost, and place to the account, labour, and difficulty, contempt, disgrace, and all the trials which those have experienced, who have stood up in their master's cause, remembering that he suffered too. Yet, on the other side, I must place the abundant recompence of the Gospel.'

On the following Christmas-day be writes thus-"O my God, whom I have sworn to serve, and to look up to in all my ways, do thou condescend to direct my path. I hope I can cheerfully submit to thy will, rejoicing that thou art pleased to take any notice of me thy unworthy servant. I have this day looked over my solemn covenant with thee, and confirmed it anew at thy table. Lord, I humbly implore thee, call me not into judgment for my many breaches of it, but strengthen me with divine power and energy, that I may observe it with readiness and constancy, and that an affecting remembrance of it may keep me from sinning against thee, and may hold me in that state of watchfulness in which I should wish to be found at thy awful appearance."

When he had completed his twenty

second year, he entered the following reflections in his journal.—“I hope God has enabled me to feel a small degree of gratitude for adding another year to my life, and one in which I have received so many mercies at his hand. Perhaps my life is ncar a close, or perhaps other twenty-two years may be added, if so they will pass to sense much more rapidly than the last; and then, O my soul, thy everlasting doom will be sealed. God grant me his grace to quicken my careless sense to more serious diligence, and care for my immortal soul. Surely at the most, to my weak frame, a third of my existence in this world may be completed. Oh, solemn thought! How can my heart be so besotted and tricked by present duties* and enjoyments as to make me forget, that my time of probation must soon for ever end, and I must enter, willing or unwilling, prepared or unprepared, into the world of spirits. It is truly astonishing, that I can pass my moments in so unconcerned a manner. alone, O Lord, can incline my thoughtless Thy grace heart to watchfulness and prayer, that my loins may be girt about, and my larp burning, that so when the cry of thy coming shall be heard, I may be found ready to enter with thee to the marriage."

The accounts which he received in the course of this year, of the indisposition of his brother affected him much. They had been (as I have already observed) companions from their childhood, and had a tender affection for each other. Upon hearing of his brother's danger, he wrote thus in his journal. "This last week has been a week of affliction to me. On Tuesday I received very unfavourable accounts of my brother J, so that now it seems scarcely probable I shall ever see him again. Oh, that this news may have an abiding impression. Whether my brother recovers, or whether it should please God that this be bis last illness, may I lay to heart the lesson it holds forth to me; that in the present moment I may make the Lord my portion; may I possess an interest in my Redeemer, so that when flesh and heart fail, the Lord Jesus may be the strength of my heart, and my portion

for ever."

Having heard of the happy state of his brother's nind, he writes thus in his journal:-"My heart feels knit to him now more than ever; his conduct in this trying hour is so exemplary. He is patient under the hand of God, though it is so severe; and God enables him to place a stedfast trust in his Redeemer. May this lead me to trust in God, who will give strength according to our day, and will certainly with the temptation give an ability to bear it." In this confident expectation he was not disappointed; but experienced the same

* Meaning those secular employments, to which he was in duty bound to attend.

had been vouchsated to his brother. support and consolation in his last trial as

His weakness increased about this time, so as to render him unable to walk without crutches. Upon this circumstance he' day I have heen worse, and though it was makes the following reflections:-"This Sunday I could not attend any place of worship. of the afternoon, I felt excessively low, In the morning and former part lameness might long continue, and be a from the idea (perhaps chiefly) that this serious impediment to me all my life. I by reading some of our church prayers, was, however, mercifully much comforted &c. They seemed peculiarly sweet to me. May I learn, O Lord, to set my affections on things above, where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God. May Christ be my comfort, my hope, and all my trust. my affections be more rationally foundOn what can ed? He is the source of consolation to the poor sinner. May I cordially commit that spared not his own all my concerns to his direction; for he delivered him up for us all, (for me also,) son, but freely how shall he not with him freely give us ail things?

He experienced in his affliction the university, both on account of his own greatest kindness from his friends in the weakness, and the loss which he sustained at this time of a beloved brother. He takes nal, with strong expressions of gratitude. notice of these acts of kindness, in his jour

written a short time before he left the uniIn some reflections upon his afflictions, versity, I find the following remarks:---“ If I am not a child of God, I have no reason to complain of my afflictions being too great a punishment for my sms; and if I am, is there not cause for the greatest thankfulness that God will take thought for my concerns? Oh the wonderful condescension of God, that he vouchsafes to orgrace, O Lord, this view softens my hard der any of the events of our life. By thy heart, and I would cry out, My Lord and In such moments I can say, Thy will be done, and would not wish to be well. I would not boast. I thus exercise myself. It is thy gift, O How rarely can blessed spirit."

my God.'

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prizes which had been adjudged to him in Having mentioned in his journal the the college, he subjoins the following reflections:-"Let not these things puff up ny foolish heart, O Lord; but may I learn from them an useful lesson; that although the talents thou hast given me be not great, and my infirmities hinder me from any great exertions, yet from this experience I may hope, that by thy blessing on my future studies, I may so improve myself as to be an useful member in the place thou hast appointed for me, and may, in some be thy will, strengthen my weak frame in measure, glorify thy name. And oh, if it thy due time, that I may come forth in thy