Intelligence.-Holy Alliance. period when England was far from that preponderance on the Continent which the follies of Napoleon have put into her hands; if at a period in which religious freedom had not yet become a common maxim with all enlightened governments, the British Administration in former days could obtain so great a triumph on this subject over the prejudices of time and place, can any person doubt but that a single word from your ministers (whom the House of Savoy must regard as its restorers) would have been sufficient to assure, not only to the Vaudois, but to all the inhabitants of Piedmont, the free exercise of their religion? Since then, negociators, supported by so great an influence, did not think proper to insert in the new treaties the ancient guarantee to the Protestants of Piedmont, we must suppose that they could not fore see that the Court of Sardinia, by declaring every thing null which happened during its absence, (that is to say, during sixteen years and more) would, under this general proclamation, rob the Vaudois of all the benefits with which a paternal administration, had endowed their church, and of which the French fiscality had not the hardihood to despoil them. Deprived of this resource, the Protestants of the Alps will be obliged again to call upon the liberality of the English to contribute to the support of their religion; but supposing that they should not be disappointed in their expectations from them, cau any one compare this humiliating and precarious situation with that public and independent support of their worship, and that perfect civil equality which they enjoyed for so many years before the restoration of the Sardinian King? How much anguish and uncertainty through Europe might have been put an end to by a few words from your ministers, supported as they are on this subject by claims so strong and resources so immense! Will they who have done so much for kings, do nothing for the people, especially for that portion of the European people whom the sacred ties of a common religion, and the recollection of similar sufferings, bind in so close a manner with the nation whom they profess to represent? We hope, and dare believe, that these great personages partake themselves of the indignation with which we are penetrated, and that they who have headed the coalition of kings against their people, will not disdain to add to that glory, assuring their natura) and legitimate rights to those nations whom they have forced to return under the domination of their ancient masters."-Morn. Chron. Dec. 26. 118 "As we have seen from experience, and from the unhappy consequences that have resulted for the whole world, that the course of the political relations in Europe between the Powers has not been founded on those true principles upon which the wisdom of God in his revelations has founded the peace and prosperity of nations, tion with their Majesties the Emperor of "We have consequently, in conjuncAustria, Francis the First, and the King of Prussia, Frederick William, proceeded to form an alliance between us, (to which the other Christian Powers are invited to accede), in which we reciprocally engage, both between ourselves and in respect of our subjects, to adopt, as the sole means the words and doctrine of our Saviour Jeto attain this end, the principle drawn from sus Christ, who preaches not to live in enmity and hatred, but in peace and love. We hope and implore the blessing of the Most High; may this sacred union be confirmed between all the powers for their general good, and (deterred by the union of all the rest), may no one dare to fall off from it. We, accordingly subjoin a coPV of this union, ordering it to be made generally known, and read in all the churches. "St. Petersburgh, on the day of the birth of our Saviour, 25th Dec., 1815. "The original is signed by his Imperial Majesty's own hand, "ALEXANDER." "In the name of the Most Holy and Indivisible Trinity, "Their Majesties, the Emperor of Austria, the King of Prussia, and the Emperor of Russia, having in consequence of the great events which have marked the course of the three last years in Europe, and especially of the blessings which it has pleased Divine Providence to shower down upon those states, which place their confidence and their hope on it alone, acquired the intimate conviction of the necessity of founding the conduct to be observed by the powers in their reciprocal relations upon the sublime truths which the holy religion of our Saviour teaches. "They solemnly declare, that the present Act has no other object than to publish in the face of the whole world their fixed resolution, both in the administration of their respective states, and in their political relations with every other government, to take for their sole guide the precepts of that holy religion, namely, the precepts of Justice, Christian Charity, and Peace, which far from being applicable only to private concerns, must have an immediate influence on the councils of princes, and guide all their steps, as being the only means of consolidating human institutions, and remedying their imperfections. "In consequence, their Majesties have agreed on the following articles : Art. 1. Conformable to the words of the Holy Scriptures, which command all men to consider each other as brethren, the three contracting monarchs will remain united by the bonds of a true and indissoluble fraternity, and considering each other as fellow countrymen, they will on all occasions, and in all places, lend each other aid and assistance, and regarding themselves towards their subjects and armies as fathers of families, they will lead them in the same spirit of fraternity with which they are animated to protect religion, peace and justice. "Art. 2. In consequence the sole principle in force, whether between the said governments, or between their subjects, shall be that of doing each other reciprocal service, and of testifying by unalterable good-will the mutual affection with which they ought to be animated, to consider themselves all as members of one and the same Christian nation. The three Allied Princes looking on themselves as merely delegated by Providence to govern three branches of the one family, namely, Austria, Prussia and Russia, thus confessing that the Christian nation of which they and their people form a part, has in reality no other Sovereign than him to whom alone power really belongs, because in him alone are found all the treasures of love, science, and infinite wisdom, that is to say, God, our Divine Saviour, the Word of the Most High, the Word of Life. Their Majesties consequently recommend to their people, with the most tender solicitude, as the sole means of enjoying that peace which arises from a good conscience, and which alone is durable, to strengthen themselves every day more and more in the principles and exercise of the duties which the Divine Saviour has taught to mankind. Art. 3. All the powers who shall choose solemnly to avow the sacred principles which have dictated the present act, and shall acknowledge how important it is for the happiness of nations too long agitated, that those truths should henceforth exercise over the destinies of mankind all the influence which belongs to them, will be received with equal ardour and affection into this Holy alliance. "Done in triplicate, and signed at Paris, in the year of grace, 1815, (14, O.S.) 26th Sept. (L. S.) (L.S.) (L. S.) "FRANCIS. "FREDERICK WILLIAM. Confortable to the original, (OFFICIAL TRANSLATION.) Being returned after a happy conclusion of the external affairs of Europe, to the empire which God has entrusted to us, we have been informed by several nationa [probably notices] complaints and reports of the following circumstances : The religious order of the Jesuits of the Roman Catholic Church had been abolished by a bull of the Pope; in cousequence of this measure, the Jesuits were expelled, not only from the states of the Church, but from all other countries,—they were not permitted to remain any where. Rus sia alone, constantly guided by sentiments of humanity and toleration, retained them in her territory, gave them an asylum, and insured their tranquillity under her powerful protection. She did not oppose any obstacle to the free exercise of their worship; she did not deter them from it, either by force, persuasion or seduction; but in return, she thought she might expect from them fidelity, attachment and utility. In this hope they were permitted to devote themselves to the education and instruction of youth. Fathers and mothers entrusted to them their children without fear, to teach them the sciences and to form their manners. It is now proved that they have not fulfilled the duties which gratitude imposed on them; that they have not kept themselves in that humility which the Christian religion commands; and that instead of remaining peaceable inhabitants in a foreign country, they have endeavoured to trouble the Greek religion, which, from the remotest times, has been the predominant religion of our empire, and on which, as on an immoveable rock, repose the tranquillity and the happiness of the nations subject to our sceptre. They have begun first, by abusing the confidence which they had gained. They have turned aside from our worship young people who had been entrusted to them, and some women of weak and inconsiderate minds, and have drawn them to their church. To induce a man to abjure his faith, the faith of his ancestors, to extinguish in him the love of those who profess the same worship, to render him a stranger to his country, to sow discord and animosity in families, to detach the brother from the brother, the son from the father, and the daughter from the mother, to excite divisions among the children of the same church; is that the voice and the will of God, and his divine Son, Jesus Christ, our Saviour, who shed for us his most pure blood, "that we might live a peaceful and tranquil life, in all sort of piety and honesty?" After such actions, we are no longer surprised that the Order of these Intelligence.French Protestants. Monks has been removed from all countries, and no where tolerated. In fact, what state can suffer in its bosom those who spread in it hate and disorder? Constantly occupied in watching over the welfare of our faithful subjects, and consider ing it as a wise and sacred duty to stop the evil in its origin, that it may not grow to maturity and produce bitter fruits, We have, in consequence, resolved to ordain 1. That the Catholic Church which is here, be again re-established upon the footing in which it was during the reign of our grandmother, of glorious memory, the Empress Catherine II. and till the year 1800. 2. To make all the Monks of the order of the Jesuits immediately to quit St. Petersburg. 3. To forbid them to enter our two capitals. We have given particular orders to our Ministers of Police and Public Instruction for the prompt execution of this determination, and for all that concerns the house and institution hitherto occupied by the Jesuits. At the same time, and that there may be no interruption in the divine service, we have ordered the Metropolitan of the Roman Catholic Church to cause the Jesuits to be replaced by Priests of the same religion, who are now here, till the arrival of Monks of another Catholic Order, whom we have sent for, for that purpose. Dec. 20, 1815. The original is signed, ALEXANDER. (A true copy).—The Director of the Department, TOURGUENOFF. FRENCH PROTESTANTS. At a Special General Meeting of the Deputies appointed for the Protection of the Civil Rights of the Three Denominations of Protestant Dissenters, held at the King's Head Tavern, in the Poultry, London, the 1st of December, 1815, WILLIAM SMITH, Esq. M. P. in the Chair; The following Resolutions were unanimously agreed to: That this Deputation consider it a duty as absolutely incumbent upon them openly and forcibly to express their abhorrence of the persecutions under which the Protestants of France are now suffering, and of the spirit which has given them birth. That a humble Address from this Body be presented to his Royal Highness the Prince Regent, respectfully, but most earnestly beseeching his gracious interposition with the French Government to put an immediate termination to the insults and injuries inflicted on the Protestants in that country, and to protect them in the peace 115 able enjoyment of their constitutional rights and liberties. That this Meeting, deeply sympathizing with those of their fellow-christians who have already suffered, or who may yet suffer in their persons and properties from these lawless outrages, do most cordially concur in the recommendation of the Protestant Dissenting Ministers in this city to the several congregations of Dissenters throughout the kingdom, to make collections for the relief of the sufferers. That the above Resolutions, signed by the Chairman, be inserted in the several public papers. WILLIAM SMITH, Chairman. That the thanks of this Deputation be given to Wm. Smith, Esq. . P. for his attendance, and able conduct in the Chair this day. At Edinburgh, Dec. 5, 1815, The Ministers and Elders of the Edinburgh Associate Presbytery, this day assembled, having taken into consideration a letter, addressed to one of their number, by the Secretary to the Board of the Protestant Dissenting Ministers in London, and which letter contains certain Resolutions passed by that Body at an Extraordiuary General Meeting, held on the 28th day of November last, respecting the persecution raised against the Professors of the Reformed Religion in the South of France, unanimously approve of the principles expressed in said resolutions; concur with these ministers in deep and most tender sympathy with the persecuted Protestants in France; and earnestly recommend it to all the congregations under. their inspection, to make contributions in aid of the general fund, which is collecting in Loudon and other places of the United Kingdom, towards the temporal relief of their suffering brethren. They farther recommend that these contributions, when made, shall be paid into the hands of the Treasurer of the Presbytery, and be by him remitted to the Committee of Superintendance and Distribution at Williams's Library, Redcross Street, London, "some of the members of which Committee," as stated by themselves, "will, if necessary, examine on the spot the miseries they deplore, and distribute with impartiality the fruits of their Christian benevolence." Meantime, the Presbytery embraces, with zeal, the present opportunity to express the liveliest feelings of satisfaction and gratitude at the assurances of his Majesty's Government to the Deputation from the said General Meeting, "that they feel the deepest regret at the dreadful scenes lately witnessed in France, and that they are using and will continue to use their best efforts in their communications with the French Government, to secure to all classes of French subjects, whether Protertant' or Catholic, the full enjoyment of the advantages which the Constitutional Charter has provided for them." The Presbytery, in fine, express their ardent hopes that, in the language of the said General Meeting, "the Ordonnance lately issued by the French King, occasioned by an assault on a Catholic officer at Nismes, will be obeyed, and prove the commencement of vigorous measures on the part of the French government, for the punishment of those who have so long massacred the Protestants with impunity. ANDREW LOTHIAN, Moderator. Woon, Mayor. A Common Council, holden in the Chamber of the Guildhall of the City of London, on Thursday, the 14th day of December, 1815, Resolved unanimously, That a dutiful and loyal Address be presented to his Royal Highness the Prince Regent, representing the feelings of this Court at the information we have received of the cruel and inhuman persecution and suffering of our Protestant Brethren in France, whereby their places of worship have been closed, their property pillaged and destroyed, and the lives of innocent and unoffending individuals have been sacrificed to the merciless rage of infuriated bigotry and superstition; humbly praying his Royal Highness to adopt such prompt and efficacious measures as may best tend to suppress these enormous evils. WOODTHORPE. At a Special Meeting of the Committee of The Protestant Society, for the Protection of Religious Liberty, held at the New London Tavern, Cheapside, London, on January 23d, 1816, SAMUEL MILLS, Esq. in the Chair; The Committee, having considered the necessity and expedience of further immediate interference with the affairs of the FRENCH PROTESTANTS, Resolved, 1. That this Society, including members of the Established Church, as well as numerous congregations of Protestant Dissenters, throughout England and Wales, has not been formed for the special purpose of affording relief to the Protestants in France, -is unconnected with any political party, -bas invariably been disposed to afford to government all just support ;-and, although especially designed to protect the enjoyment of Religious Freedom according to the existing laws in the British Empire, could not, without selfishness and degradation, disregard the numerous statents long circulated in the daily journals other publications, of the existence of persecutions towards the Protestants in the South of France. 2. That the Committee, therefore, assembled on Nov. 21, 1815, and adopted Resolutions respectful to the French and British governments; but declaratory of the great principles of Religious Liberty, of their hatred to intolerance,-of their determination to investigate the accuracy of the existing complaints, and of their inclination to afford to the persecuted all needful protection and relief. 3. That, adhering to the constitution of their Society, this Committee hastened first to communicate their Resolutions to their own government, and to request from them accurate intelligence, and that interposition which acquaintance with their principles and conduct induced them to expect:-and that they received from the Earl of Liverpool, and from other members of the Administration, admissions of the evils and assurances of their due exertions to prevent their continuance,― which they did not delay most publicly to announce. 4. That, gratified by this declaration, by an Ordonnance published on Nov, 23d, by the Court of France, and by the information of the Duke of Wellington of the disposition of that Court to repress the outrages, which he did not attempt to deny, the Committee, by public Resolutions adopted on Dec 5th, and by other statements, communicated the substance of the information they received, and expressed their intention not to augment public anx iety by active labours, but rather vigilantly to observe the measures which might occur in France. 5. That to these Resolutions they have firmly adhered-that they have sought for information by honourable means-that they have avoided all proceedings which might increase solicitude and discontentthat they have not invited public coptributions which might not be required, which the sufferers might decline to accept, and which they might be unable to dispense-that they have addressed to the French Protestants a letter which calumny has not ventured to denounce-and that they have sought rather to conciliate than to offend, and to bush the elements of existing discord into permanent tranquillity. 6. That, able to discriminate between exaggerated complaints, and equally exaggerated exculpations: between details which gave universality to local oppressions, and assertions which denied that local cruelties had been displayed:-and that, regardless equally of inflated panegyric, and of unmerited obliquy, the Committee have pursued the path they originally designed, and have now arrived at the goal they intended to attain. 7. That, from the intelligence they have received, they learn that there are 89 consistories, 230 churches, and 251 ministers, Intelligence.-French Protestants. 117 belonging to the Protestants in forty de- can alone justify a foreign interference, and partments of France, and one college for that such interference, especially when their literary and theological instruction, needlessly protracted, may increase jealouestablished at Montauban; and that in the sy, perpetuate suspicion, and inflame redepartment du Gard a persecution, partly sentment, in foreign countries;---relying on political but rendered most acrimonious by the auspicions change which has obviously religious animosity, had continued during and actually occurred,---confiding in the several months,-that many persons had promises of future and equal protection, been murdered,-that public worship was now repeatedly promulgated by the Court prevented, that churches were despoiled, of France,---encouraged by the recent asthat trade and manufactures were sus- surances which have been given by Lords pended, that hundreds, appalled and Liverpool and Castlereagh to the inhabitants alarmed, had quitted their occupations--- of Glasgow, and the Catholics of the north, their property and their homes, and be----and informed of the wishes and situation come fugitives;---and that all the evils had locally existed, which mobs, unrestrained by adequate authority, and stimulated by party spirit, ignorance, desire of pillage and superstition, could inflict. 8. That although the Committee do not rely on letters influenced by fear,---on publications induced by interest,---and on assurances inserted in the subservient Journals which circulate in France ;---and although they regret that perfect compensation has not been made to the sufferers, and more decisive measures earlier adopted against their aggressors,---they are convinced that, even in that department where the evils did exist, those evils are now much decreased: that the rights of the Protestants have been officially recognized, in reiterated publications---another Royal Ordonance, for their advantage, has been announced ;---civil and military authorities have united for their protection; their ministers have been placed on an equality with the Catholic Clergy in the Electoral Assemblies, and flattered by titular and honourary distinctions;---their churches have been re-opened ;---many fugitives have returned ;---manufactures have revived;---some of their persecutors have been committed for trial; -and repose and security re-appear. 9. That this Committee cannot but attribute these results to the declarations of the Allied Powers, to the special efforts of the British Cabinet, and to those expressions of public opinion in England and throughout Europe, which have abashed the violent and unconstitutional Catholics in France--and, penetrating to the Thuilleries, have induced that Court to display an interest, a decision, and an energy, which had been too long deferred :---and that the Committee therefore rejoice in all the exertions which have not only contributed to this immediate effect, but which have formed an example for future labours---have announced the rights of conscience---have declared to the existing generation and to future ages, that Religious Freedom is esteemed and revered,---that Intolerance will no longer be endured and that all persecutors must expect contemporaneous abhorrence, and a contempt permanent as the remembrance of their crimes. 10. That aware that imperious necessity of the Protestants of France,---this Committee will not solicit Subscriptions on their behalf, and will now withdraw from active interposition with their affairs;---but that they will continue feelingly alive to their future destiny, and ready to afford them all that assistance,---cordial, prompt and abundant, which authentic applications may invite, or unexpected exigencies shall demand. 11. That the Committee cannot announce this determination without renewing their acknowledgements to the British Government for their wise and liberal conduct,--nor without expressing their thanks to the Corporate and other Bodies,---to the public spirited inhabitants of Glasgow, Hull, Newcastle, Gosport and Plymouth, and to the Catholics of Dublin and of the North of England, who have afforded them manly and Christian co-operation and support. And, 12. That convinced of the resistless power of public opinion in a free country, and of the inestimable value of the independence of the press, the Committee cannot but offer their unfeigned and grateful applause to the spontaneous perseverance and zeal with which the great majority of the Editors of the public Journals have, with judgment and eloquence, advocated the cause of humanity and freedom, have counteracted the efforts of opponents, and have promoted an important and memorable triumph for Religious Liberty and Truth. T. PELLATT, J. WILKS, Secretaries. At a Meeting of the Committee of the Protestant Dissenting Ministers of the Three Denominations, held at Williams's Library, Red-Cross Street, on Monday, January 29, 1816, It was unanimously Resolved, That the Committee, at length, feel it an imperious duty to declare publicly, that they have never had any connexion with the Association denominated, "The Protestant Society ;"-that, from sufficient evidence, the Committee can assure the public of the correctness of their published statements; and that the contributions which have been, or still may be, entrusted to their care, continue to be highly ne |