ed England in security. His residence here was not long; he obtain ed rank in the Russian army, and served under General Yermoloff, in the army of the Caucasus, with distinguished valour and ability. The constitutional revolution of Spain in 1820, was so little to the taste of the magnanimous Alexander, that he abruptly dismissed Van Halen, who hastened home through Austria, Bavaria, Switzerland, and France. He is now in England, and, in return for the gratification and instruction that his very entertaining narrative has afforded us, we cannot do better than tender him our best wishes for his second recal from exile, under happier auspices than those of his first. Lond. Ecl. Rer. Religious Intelligence. GARRABRANT VAN RIPER, A. B. LATE STUDENT OF THEOLOGY. Every thing connected with the kingdom of Christ is of great moment to those who, in true faith, have embraced the Lord Jesus, and avowed their connexion with him, as his willing subjects. In his holy government as "Head over all things to His Church," they rejoice. With the With the holy ministry, as designed to unfold the precious doctrines of grace; to press the requirements of the righteous law of God; and urge the warm entreaties of Him"who spake as never man spake," they are delighted; especially as it is, when accompanied by the influences of the Spirit, "the power of God, and the wisdom of God unto salvation." For its success as a mighty engine, in the hand of God, in pulling down the strong holds of satan, and in building up the wastes of Zion, they feel an intense interest and anxiety. Hence their efforts are combined to rear up those, who, being thoroughly furnished, may bear the messages of grace to perishing men. They view the wants of the Church, and strive to have them amply supplied. They look to the School of the Prophets with feelings of affection and lively hope. In their prosperity, believers are glad, while they see the streams which flow fro:n those healthful fountains making glad the city of God. On the contrary, when adverse providences affect them; when they seem to struggle for existence, owing to the neglect or parsimonious feelings of those who have professed to love the house of the Lord; or when a bereaving stroke of Providence is felt, in the removal of some, whose talents, acquirements, age, experience, love of truth, are ever to be kept inviolate; and whose fervent piety have united to render them “apt to teach;" when these events occur, their hearts are filled with sadness. Nor ought they to be uninoved when any of those, who in early life have been constrained by the Holy Ghost to devote themselves to the service of the Sanctuary, are, in the midst of their pursuit of the knowledge of divine things, suddenly arrested by death. To see a youth, just having consecrated his all to this noble service,-in holy humility look forward to a life of usefulness, pressing on in his career of assiduous research; and labouring to acquire a stock of knowledge; which, accompanied by the teachings of the Holy Ghost, shall render him an able minister of the New Testa nent, -Oh! to see such a one, stricken down in a moment, and withering under the voice of the angel of Death,-" Dust thou art, and unto dust thou shalt return," cannot but produce in the pious mind, feelings of holy sorrow, while it seeks for grace to say in the midst of their griefs," Thy will, O God, be done." Nor can it be doubted that such feelings will be exercised by the pi ous of our Reformed Zion, when we announce an instance of the kind, in her school of the Prophets. On the Morning of Friday the 11th of January, Mr. GARRABRANT VAN RIPER, a Member of the Theological Seminary at New-Brunswick, New-Jersey, finished his earthly course, at the house of his GrandFather Mr. Jacob Van Winkle, in Lodi Township, Bergen County, NewJersey, in the 22d year of his age. Having been, in infancy bereaved of his father, his principal dependance for counsel was his aged grandparent, who liberally provided for his education. Having gone through the academical course of studies, he was admitted as a member of the College of New-Jersey; and after prosecuting his studies with diligence, and completing the course of study at that venerable seat of science, he was honoured with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, at the annual commencement in September last. It was during the last eighteen months of his course there, that he professed to have fel: the quickening influences of the Spirit of God. And he deter shortened;" after which, the throne of grace was addressed, by the Rev. Staats Van Santvoord. The concourse of people was very great; and a deep solemnity pervaded the house. After the services were closed, the corpse, followed by an unusually large number of attendants, was conveyed to the grave yard of the Reformed Dutch Church at Acquackanonk in Essex County; and placed in its narrow house to await the summons of the descending Saviour on the Judgment day. WHERE ARE MY MOMENTS? Written after returning from the grave of Garrabrant Van Riper A. B. student of Theology. Where are my moments? Tell me, whither The precious moments I once call'd my own? Soon spent their fury, and resign'd their sway. serene mined to devote himself to the work The fields assum'd their robes of cheerful green. Beneath affliction's Sun,-Death's powerful What gourds have wither'd; schems of bliss been broke! ed by the Rev. Benjamin C. Taylor, who delivered a discourse adapted to the occasion, from Psalm lxxxix. 45. "The days of his youth hast thou The proud have fall'n from their high estate; choice. To day I linger'd at the house of woe, His time, his talents, to promote the praise care, His orphan'd childhood, kept from ev'ry snare. Your thanks to Him who took from death its sting. School of the Prophets! Your deep loss deplore. Bemoan a son you can instruct no more. Oh! when will man.....when will he learn to be Oh! when so number his remaining days,' LETTER FROM A MINISTER TO HIS SISTERS, ON RECEIVING A LETTER, WHICH INFORMED HIM OF THE DEATH OF THEIR FATHER. My Dear Sisters-I have this day received your kind letter, which informs me of the death of our very dear and beloved Father. You say he was willing to depart; and he longed to be with Christ. My Father was always pious, from the earliest hour of my recollection. He was attentive to all the ordinances of God's house; and in his family he never forgot, one evening or morning, to sing a psalm, to read a chapter in the Holy Bible, and to offer up a devout prayer in the family circle. And my spirit did witness that his prayers, unadorned with learning, were most fervent, coming out from an ardent and sanctified heart Shall I then say that I am sorry that he is dead? I am sorry, and I am glad! I am sorry that my father was mortal; but Oh! I am glad that he is immortal. I am sorry that all men are sinners, and therefore all must die. I am glad that there is a Saviour, and all that trust in him shall be saved, and shall live for ever. I am sorry that my dear father is gone from the company of my dear mother and sisters. But I rejoice in the belief, that he is gone into the company of a more blessed, and holy, and happy society, and to the enjoyment of a glorious immortality. I am sorry that I can never again behold my father on this side of my grave. But my soul is glad in the hope that I shall, ere long, join him in the eternal jubilee of the spirits of just men made perfect, and the holy angels that "adore and burn" around the throne of God. Oh! I am glad, and I rejoice exceedingly, that as my father was willing to have it so, he is gone "to be with Christ, which is far better!" I am sorry, my dear sisters, that you have no more a father to cheer you in your sorrows, and to assist you amidst the troubles and anxieties of this life. But I am glad that you have an Almighty Friend, in the heavens above, who is not only above, but is below, and with you. And that Friend is your kinsman, and your Redeemer. And he is a "Friend that sticketh closer than a brother." And you must love him. And your afflictions will bring you nearer to him than you would be if you had no afflictions. I can see on every side, that those who are swinging in the stream of an earthly pros→ perity, and carnal indulgence, are generally carried farthest from their God. By the vain hope of happiness in the enjoyment of the pleasures of this world, thousands are carried away every day into immeasurable and irrevocable misery. I am sorry that my dear mother is disconsolate, but tell her to trust in her Jesus. Tell her that her Redeemer is her husband. Tell her to look up to her Comforter, the Holy Spirit. Tell her to look up to the Almighty, who can easily take away all her sorrows, and give her that joy which is unspeakable, and that peace which the world can neith-dings of great joy have been sent to Tell her er give nor take away. that our dear father is not left to mourn her death, nor your death, nor mine. But he is gone to a world of happiness. Tell her that he was taken away in the best age, perhaps, he could have wished for. Had he remained much longer in this wearisome world, he might have been a burthen to himself. And, now, my mother will spend her time, her every fleeting hour, in preparing to follow him to that joyful rest which remaineth for the people of God; where the hand of our Dear Redeemer "Shall wipe away every tear from off every face. My dear sisters, I rest, in Christ, Your affectionate brother, WM. BOYSE. To Misses Mary P. and Elizabeth Boyse. Woodstock, N. Y. 20 Sept. 1827. Ordination.--Mr. John G. Tarbell was solemnly ordained to the work of the gospel ministry, as pastor over the Reformed Dutch Church at Stone House Plain, on the 17th ult. The ordination sermon was preached by the Rev. Benjamin Taylor, from 2 Cor. iv. 7. "We have this treasure in earthen vessels," &c. The charge to the pastor was given by the Rev. Jacob Field, and the Rev. Staats Van Santvoord presided, put the usual questions, made the consecrating prayer, and addressed the Consistory and congregation. The services were appropriate, and a deep solemnity pervaded the crowded assembly. Thus has another desolate portion of our Reformed Zion been watered through the benevolent exertions of our Missionary Board; the hearts of many have been made to rejoice; and flattering hopes are entertained that through their instrumentality, good tiVOL. II.-53 the destitute, who will now be brought to a participation of grace here, and glory hereafter. "Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us, we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." Sir Mission to Burmah.-Intelligence has been received from the Baptist Mission to Burmah, down to the last of May. Dr. Judson arrived at Amherst, in January last, where he found Mr. and Mrs. Wade, and four native converts, and where Mr. and Mrs. Boardman joined the other members of the mission in April.-On the 28th of January Dr. Judson recommenced worship in Burmese, after an intermission of two years and a half.— Arrangements for continuing the mission were hardly completed. Sir Archibald Campbell had removed his head quarters twenty-five miles up the river, whither most of the natives had followed him. As Amherst, however, is at the head of navigation, Dr. Judson intends to remain there, at least till it shall be seen what government intends to do for it. Archibald Campbell has offered grounds for a mission station near his residence, and a spot has been selected. Dr. Judson's little daughter died April 24.-On the 25th of February, Moung Ing, a native convert, was licensed to preach the gospel, and set out for Mergui, his former residence; the first native teacher, says Dr. Judson, we have ever sent forth. There are several natives who seem to be seriously inquiring after the truth, and one was baptized on the 20th of May. Of the former converts, eighteen in number, all but two continued to conduct themselves well, Dr. Judson received from the citizens of Ava, and from government, for services as interpreter, $4,000, all which has been passed to the credit of the Board.-Ver. Chron. Latest from the Palestine Mission.-A hasty line from Mr. Goodell was received at the Missionary Rooms, a few days since. He refers to unusual troubles from the hands of their enemies; and says, "We shall have much to tell you, when we have time to take breath." He informs, that Mr. Bird and his family were on the heights of Tripoli, (20 or 25 miles from Beyroot,) having just escaped from the Maronites. We have accounts of the symptoms of war between the Turks and the English. Our missionaries being under English protection, must probably flee in that case. They may, even now, be driven from their labours and their homes; but the English fleet will probably receive them safely. Bost. Rec. Maumee Mission.-It appears, from accounts in the Pittsburgh Recorder, that the Indian school at Maumee has been suspended for some time for want of a teacher, Mr. Vantassel having been licensed last February, and devoted his time to travelling and preaching. In October, he and his wife had been sick, but were convalescent; & Miss Withrow's life was much threatened. Miss Riggs was the only one of the family who remained well. Miss Stevens left in September, to reside with her brother at Mackinaw, hoping there to enjoy better health. ib. Dr. Chalmers.-This gentleman has been recently elected joint Professor of Divinity in the College of Edinburgh, along with the Rev. Dr. Ritchie, whose age induces him to retire fom the active duties of the office. Although Scotland boasts of divines equal, if not superior to Dr. Chalmers, in erudition, and deep Theological learning, yet his compeer is not known in general qualifications and accomplishments, in energy and activity of mind, integrity of principle, philanthropy and liberality of views, or one so capable of rousing the slumbering and slothful, and giving a salutary impulse to the general intellect of his pupils.-COM. Malta.---Mr. Jowett had been indisposed in July; but not so as to stop the press. "Several weighty matters are continually before him;" such as the mission to Constantinople; the religious improvement of the Greeks, Egyptians, Abyssinians, and the oriental churches generally. Family Devotion.-I knew a worthy man, who professed to be religious, that omitted family prayers, because, he said, he had not time to devote to this duty. And yet he daily wasted more time in smoking, than would have been ne cessary for reading a chapter, and offering a prayer night and morning, at the domestic altar. There is no head of a family who has not time for daily family worship, if he had inclination.Command the time. If the duty abridges other employments, your labours will be more happily and beneficially employed. Give not the world, or self, or friends, all your time. Prayers and provender delay not man or beast, says the proverb.-Col. Star. Literary & Philosophical. In Professor Hodge's Biblical Repertory, No. 1, Vol. iv. there is a capital article from Dr. Thulock, Professor of Theology in the famous University of Halle, in Saxony. It is entitled, The History of Theology in the Eighteenth century in Germany, &c. It is translated from the German, by the learned Editor. Every student and every minister ought to have this work, (which is published by G. & C. Carvill, of NewYork.) And we ought to study it thoroughly. It is, all in all, a first-rate work on a subject of the first importance to ministers, and students of Theology. Memoirs of Muhammed Baber, Emperor of Hindostan, written by himself, in the Turki, and translated partly by the late John Leyden Esq. M. D. and partly by William Erskine, Esq. with notes, and a geographical and historical Introduction. This singular work was published in London, in a quarto volume of 509 pages, in A. D. 1826. A more explanatory comment on Eastern history can hardly be desired. Baber was jof royal descent: then a chief of Bandits, a general, then an Emperor of Hindostan, which he conquered by his northern hosts. He was descended from Genghiz Kan, and Tamerlane. He was the Napoleon of the East, at the time when Francis I. and Columbus, and Leo X. and Luther occupied the public attention in the West.There is a review of the memoirs of Baber in the London Eclectic for June, 1827. Thomas Erskine, Esq. (now on his travels in Italy,) is said to have nearly ready for the press, a commentary on the Epistle to the Romans. An Essay on Saving Faith, printed > by Blackwood, Edinburgh. The object of this work is to controvert the view given of Faith by Mr. Erskine. The writer is known to be a young gentlemen of talents and piety. Although, we can not agree with him in many things, we would recommend it to the attention of students of Theology, as a work of merit, to be read in company with Dr. Owen's Reasons of Faith, and a work on Saving Faiths, |