that the said commissioners will explain the elements of reconciliation proposed by the nations has in the public sesson of the 11th inst. deliberated, and resolved, that the following decree shall be transmitted to you as their answer : DECREE. The Sovereign Congress of Colombia, anxious to see peace re-established, will hear with pleasure the proposals which may be made on the part of the Spanish Government, provided they shall have for their end the absolute acknowledgement of the ENTIRE SOVEREIGNTY and INDEPENDENCE of the Republic of Colombia; and that they will not admit any other overture, which shall not conform to this principle, proclaimed by the government, as well as by the people at different epochas. The President of the Sovereign Congress has the honor to remain your very humble servant, FERD. PENALVER, President of Congress. Palace of the Congress, at N. Guy- } ana, July 18, 1820-10th year. PHILIP DE LA PLANE, Philadel. pap.] Secretary. A letter from the American Consul at Cadiz, dated July 15, states that the Cortes had appointed Mr. Espigna, President, and General Quiroga, Vice President. The King, delivered a speech, in which he attributed all the evils of the last six years to the bad counsellors who had surrounded him, Chinese Correspondence.-Translation of a letter from the China Captain at Tringgana, addressed in Chinese to Major Farquhar, resident at Malacca, in cousequence of his having forwarded to the writer a box of Chinese New-Testaments and Tracts, in the close of 1814. The ruler of the country, Tring-gana, whose surname is Chang, and his name Bhing-heen, presents this letter up to the throne of the exalted King of the pearl nation, respectfully commencing-1 was a short time ago graciously favoured with a box of sacred books, and a letter valuable as the gems. I bow the head, worship, and read; and according to order have divided the books, and presented them to the multitude, to deliver to their children and friends, that all may diligently read the classics of the virtuous sages. In the days of old, the province of Shantung, in the adorned middle nation, (China) produced the holy and virtuous sage, Confu cins, who taught to read fire ancient classical books, and delivered them down to ten thousand generations. During a former dynasty, (viz. that of Sung) appeared the great literary character, called ChooBut I knew not before that the nations footsze, who paraphrased the said books. withoutside had virtuous sages, who could make moral books to be handed down to myriads of ages, to exhort the people to reform their evils, and return to goodness such merit and virtue are inexhaustible.The bird Hung" being at hand, I purposely fer it up to the ruler of the nation to examadorn this inch letter, and respectfully of ine it. Chang-Singheen, bows and pays his resHis humble subject, Captain pects.' the Western Coast of Africa, formed in The English settlement of Bathurst, on Slave trade, exported commodities to consequence of the suppression of the Great Britain, during the year 1819, which brought to Government a revenue of £11,034. 13s. 1d. This is the most recent es tablishment of the kind, and its present flourishing state indicates what may be effected in the course of a few years for the improvement of that whole degraded continent, if the plunderer of its coasts may be arrested, and the kidnapper may be chained.-Recorder. Slavery.-Extract of a letter dated 19th of March, from an English officer on the coast of Africa, for the prevention of the Slave trade. It appears, notwithstanding the exertions of our county men em ployed in that arduous service, the abominable traffic continues with unremitting activity. Many captures have been made by our ships and vessels, but it is to be feared several of them will escape condemnation. On board one of the captur ed vessels, a small Spanish schooner, were 82 slaves, 35 of whom were young girls; and on board another, a French schooner, were found headed up in two casks, two girls of eleven years of age each. As the casks in which these poor creatures were confined, had no breathing holes in them, and were stowed with other casks in the vessel's hold, they were nearly dead when released. The girls are now on board the Tartar, Commodore Sir G. Collier.'-Lon don paper. * Hung,' this phrase refers to a story among the Chinese; they say that a certain man, cut off from all communication with China, wished exceedingly to send letters thither, but knew not how-at length he caught this bird, and tied his letters to its feet, by which means, his object was accomplished. Hence, when the Chinese send a letter, they generally say- This comes by a convenient bird,' i. e. a fa vourable opportunity A serious misunderstanding exists between the Porte, and Ali Pacha, of Jani ana; but the latter having attached to his interest the officers of his government, and being universally popular, does not intend yielding until there has been a fair trial of strength. Other Pachas have united with him, Obituary. =: Biographical sketch of Doct. Nehemiah Howe. Doct. NEHEMIAH HOWE, was born at Brookfield, Mass. about the year 1745. In early life he was devoted to the study of medicine. When he had completed his medical education he settled in Ashford, in this state, and was a practising physician there for many years. His abilities, turn of mind, sentiments, and conversation, in early life, are extensively known. It is no secret that he did not think, and feel favourably towards the christian system, during the early part of life. Though considerably esteemed for his professional abilities he was viewed by the seniors of his acquaintance, as a speculative deistan enemy to the religion of Jesus. If not a professed, he was a practical infidel, and that course of life which is the legitimate, and usual offspring of infidelity was, evidently, his. Religion, and the Bible, and the Saviour were not treated, barely with that criminal indifference that is common to a great part of the unbelieving world; but with that indignant sneer and contumelious cant so strikingly characteristic of infidelity. He lived in the indulgence of vice, and seemed while he took pleasure in wickedness, to be, as some profess to be, happy in the idea that he was in no danger. His youthful days, and much of the most active part of life, were spent in levity, dissipation and vain and wicked indulgencies. It seemed for many years, that God was not in all his thoughts. At least we should have thought so, were it hot that the sacred and awful name of GoD was frequently introduced into trifing conversation. It is believed, however, that Doct. Howe at times had serious impressions that his scheme might be wrong, and that the course he was in would eventually lead him to ruin. It is believed that in the most vain and dissolute part of his life he was often compelled by the irresistible force of conscience to assent to the truth, and feel the importance of the christian scheme; for he always treated good men with respect, and was generally fond of the company of ministers of religion. So it is with many, if not all professed and practical infidels. They fear their scheme is wrong, and have secret misgivings of mind, and have much and great distress on the subject. Col. Gardiner who was in youth one of the greatest libertines of the age; and who from the great vivacity and apparent ease and happiness of his mind, was called, "the happy rake;" acknowledged after his conversion, that very trequently when in gay company, his distress of mind in view of eternity, had been so great; that he had sincerely wished himself a dog rather than a man. The subject of this memoir became for several years before his death, more sober, apparently thoughtful and attentive to the institutions of religion. One thing which seemed greatly to impress his mind; and may have been the means which God employed to effect his conversion was the death of a very promising grandson, about seven years old, the object of his strong attachment and most tender affection. In consequence of that event be was greatly affected, and was anxious for the company, the conversation, and the prayers of those whom he considered as the people of God. From that period he became apparently sober, and externally moral, paying a decent regard to the sab bath, and attended, statedly, on the public worship of God. Nothing more was visible, however, than a mere assent to the truth and importance of divine things till the latter end of the year 1817, or the beginning of 1818. About that time a more serious and solemn concern for the soul became visible. It was evident that his mind was deeply impressed with a sense of his guilt as a singer. He conversed freely on the subject with those whom he thought able to counsel and advise him.He acknowledged himself justly condemned by the divine law. His language seemed to be "Woe is me for I am undone." In this state of mind he continued for a considerable period. Thoroughly convinced that the bible is the word of God, and that its truths, and doctrines, and laws are pure, resembling their author; he could see nothing but wretchedness and misery, and eternal despair, for the condemned rebel. God appeared to him in all the dignity of an infinitely holy, and justly incensed God, and he was the subject of amazing and overwhelming terrour. God was pleased to give him that know!edge of the law which produces a knowledge of sin. In this state of mind, and with these fearful and distressing apprehensions, he trembled and begged for mercy. Such was the horrour of his mind At this critical moment, God appeared for his relief Light broke in upon his soul, and his distress was gone. The tumult of agitating fears, of overwhelming anxiety subsided, and his awful forebodings vanished. He found grace, that grace to which he had been an utter stranger. So true it is, "Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power." The power of God, only, can break the hard heart, and bow the stubborn will. The change of feelings was great. A sweet peace and serenity of soul ensued. A holy God was viewed without pain or uneasiness. The divine attributes, law and government appeared amiable and good. So great, indeed, was the change that the subject would hardly believe it real When the Lord turned his captivity he was, even, like them that dream. His mouth was filled with laughter and his tongue with singing. "What," said he to himself, "is this? It is not a reality. I am sleeping. It is a dream." So the excellent Watts describes the feelings of a convert, in his paraphrase of the 126th Ps. "When God reveal'd his gracious name, After enjoying the pleasure of such a quiet and happy state of mind for some time, he fell into a sweet sleep and rested pleasantly till morning. When he awoke he found himself in the same peaceful state. He found it was not a dream. It was indeed, to him, a solemn and joyful reality. From that happy night and delightful morning, he possessed a strong hope of bis interest in the mercy of God, through JESUS CHRIST, THE ALMIGHTY SAVIOUR. His hope, however, though an anchor to the soul," was at some seasons connect ed with doubts, and fearful apprehensions. He had great fears from time to time that he was deceiving himself; that his foundation was sand, and not the immoveable rock. Yet be at no time, it is believed, wholly gave up his hope. Possessing a steady unshaken confidence in the mercy of God through Christ, he relied on the promise of entering into rest. His life was snch as to give a comfortable hope to the pious that he was a child of God. All that knew him, indeed, even persons of no religion, were sensibly affected with the wonderful alteration that bad taken place in Doct. Howe. "The world beheld the glorious change, "And did thy haud confess." The subject of these views, and this wonderful change of feelings, became ansious for others, that they might find the pearl of great price. In affectionate tenderness and becoming faithfulness, he counselled and exhorted his neighbors and friends to prepare immediately for death and judgment; and his conversation with the companions of his early life appeared for a season to produce a degree of seriousness and solemnity. It is not improba ble that this might be conducive to an extensive revival of religion that has since taken place in Ashford. It is natural to conclude that a man of such feelings and views as Doct. Howe formerly was, would possess books unfa vorable to vital piety, and of a demoraliz. ing tendency. So it was. Of the evil tendency of such books he was fully sensible, and he determined to destroy them all He committed the corrupt volumes te the flames, one after another until be thought the work of destruction was completed. One, however, for some time escaped his notice. It was a book of an exceedingly demoralizing character, calculated to debauch the mind, and to settle a person down quietly in unbelief and sin,--a book wholly in opposi tion to vital piety. This he had, after his feelings and views were changed, lent to his pastor, with a desire that he would read it. His object in this desire was that his pastor might know what corrupt things are in print, and in the hands of the people: and be prepared to meet and confute them. This book he had forgotten; or did not for some time recollect he had not destroyed it with others of the same character. On a Saturday evening, in serious contemplation, it occurred to him that the book was in being. On Sabbath morning, before sunrise, his pastor happened to took from his window into the street, and saw Doct. Howe walking that way with a hasty step. He came in, and immediately on entering the house, said, "sir, I want that book." Supposing he had in view a book on a religions subject which his pastor had proposed to lend him, that was pre seated to him. "This," said he, "is not the book. I want the book which I lent and desired you to read." The book he was seeking after was then given him; on which he said," it never occurred to me till last evening that I had not destroyed this book; and I was afraid I should not live to do it. I promised the LORD if he would spare my life till morning, I would bara it. And now I call the LORD JESUS CHRIST, and all present to witness that I renounce every thing there is in this book." He then walked deliberately to the fire, and in presence of the family, committed it to the flames. Instances like this ought to convince professed and practical infidels, that those corrupt books which they read with much pleasure, in a time of stupid insensibility will give them no comfort in the day of trouble. They may be assured that by the force of divine truth and an enlightened conscience, such writings will be viewed in their true character, and detested. They may be certain that their fabrick will ere long be shaken to its base-that if not before, yet by the light of eternity, they will see their blind folly, their stupid delusion. Doct. Howe was sensible that the chil dren of God are destined to trials in this life. These he viewed as salutary and purifying corrections, and calculated to increase the evidence of adoption. His own trials, probably, and at the same time his constancy and submission, confirmed him in the idea that such as are without chastisement are bastards, and not sons. This opinion he expressed at a certain time under circumstances impressive and affecting. In a time of revival in Ashford, an aged man, an old friend and intimate of his, rejoicing in hope came in where the writer of this was conversing with Doct, Howe, and several others, on serious subjects, and expressed his joyful feelings in very strong terms, At length he said, "I do not think I shall always feel so. I expect to find trouble and distress." The Doct. with tears trickling down his cheeks, adverted to the passage which has been noticed. At 73 he was baptized and united with the church. True it is, the subject of this memoir did not live many years after this change in his views and feelings. It is also an important truth that the longer persons live in the esercise of christian graces and virtues, the stronger is the evidence of their piety. The evidence increases as the years pass away. We love to see them in various situations, in prosperity and adversity,ju sickness and in health,-suffering insults and abuses. If we find them in these various conditions, humble, patient, submissive, and possessing the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit; no reason. able doubt, whether they are the children long in piety, and grown grey in the service of God, have the charity of all that know them. In this case, the hoary head preeminently a crown of glory.. is But yet we must not cast a shade over the shining light of a christian, though his life be short. Doct. Howe lived long enough to afford evidence, even to an infidel, of the power and reality of divine grace. The open-hearted, frank sincerity, and unaffected simplicity by which he expressed the views of his mind, and the state of his own soul, gave to such as knew his former habits and walks of life, very convincing proof that a work of divine power and grace bad been wrought in his heart. His conversation was principally on subjects of a religious nature. He was grave and solemn, tender and af fectionate, humble and meek in all his conversation and deportment. While he extolled the rich and glorious grace of God in Christ, he abborred and condemned himself as a sinner. He took great pleasure in reading the bible, in which employment he spent a good proportion of his time; and its truths appeared to be near his heart. His delight was in the or dinances of God; and so far as his health and strength would permit, he was a constant and devout worshipper of God in the sanctuary. It seems to be eminently true of him that by the abundant, astonishing grace of God, he was called in at the eleventh hour. Blessed is the truth that all God's elect will, in due time be called in. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate, to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called; and whom he called, them he also justified; and whom he justified, them he also glorified. The subject of the foregoing remarks was taken ill suddenly, on the 14th of April. He soon lost the power of coinmunication, and probably of reflection ;and on the 18th fell asleep. Died at South Farms, JAMES MORRIS, Esqr. He was the son of Deacon James Morris, and was born in the parish of South Farms, in the town of Litchfield, about the year 1752. He was an only son, and it was his father's design to educate him for the ministry. With this view he commenced his studies preparatory to college, under the instruction of the Rev. Mr. Brinsmade, of Washington. He entered Yale College in the year 1771, and received his degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1775. In college he enjoyed the instruc tion of Mr. (afterwards President) DWIGHT, who was then a tutor. An intimacy com menced in college between them, which was kept up with peculiar affection ou both sides, through life, and which, we doubt not, is now renewed in heaven. After Mr. Morris left college, he commenced the study of divinity, under the instruction of the Rev. Dr. BELLAMY, of Bethlem. He had nearly completed his theological course, and was about to commence the active labours of a minister of the gospel; but at that time, his country was struggling for her independence, and seemed to call loudly for the aid of all her vigorous sons. Mr. Morris felt it to be bis duty to enlist in the ranks of freedom, and stand for his country's rights. He accor dingly accepted the station of an ensign in the army; and was afterwards raised to the rank of a Captain. He was once a prisouer for a considerable time, being taken, we believe, in the battle of Germantown. After he left the army, having passed regularly and honourably through the campaign, he returned to his native vilJage There was at this time, a great call for suitable instructors; and Mr. Morris relinquished the idea of pursuing the ministry, and turned his attention to the establishment of a school for the literary and moral instruction of youth. He accordingly instituted an academy in his native parish, which was called by his name, and which was for a course of years one of the most flourishing and use ful schools of the kind in New-England. He continued his school about thirty years, and numbered many hundreds of those who are now active and useful in life, as his pupils. He was early called to places of honour and trust in the civil affairs of the state. For many years be continued to represent his native town in the state legislature; and sustained also the office of a justice of the peace. It is understood that he was one of the principal framers of the laws in relation to the schools, which are supported by public funds. On the death of his father, he was appointed to the office of a deacon, which office he filled till his death. He was appointed an agent of the Foreign Mission School by the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, and he was one of the three men, who first met together to pray and consult respecting this institution before its formation, and who marked out the outlines of this interesting seminary. He was employed in attending to the interests of this seminary, when the sum mons arrived for his departure. The first attack of disease was violent and alarm ing, and soon removed all hope of recove ry. He appeared to enjoy his reason to the last, and expressed his calm and quiet resignation to the will of God. Mr. Morris early appeared on the side of good order and religion; though the particulars of his early religious experi ence are not known to the writer. He continued through life to be the firm and unwavering supporter of the ancient cuştoms and institutions of his country. His religious sentiments were decidedly and cordially those of the early fathers of New-England. He was rooted and grounded in the faith of the gospel, and was an able defender of its truths. The most prominent trait in his charac ter was active and persevering usefulness. He did not establish his character by one or two brilliant efforts, and then fall asleep on his post; but his usefulness was of the diffusive genial kind, which extended to all the details of a busy life, and is seen in a thousand nameless offices of kindness and beneficence. Action, rather than speculation, characterized him, though his action was always directed by the decis ion of a sound judgment, clear and consistent views of truth, and a quick pene tration into the human character. He was not soon weary in well doing He did not shrink from the labour and sacrifices which are necessary to accom plish judicious plans of usefulness; and what rendered his labours doubly valua ble, was his distinguished punctuality. He was always at his post, and was there in season. In every duty assigned him, he was true to his engagements; and what ever he undertook was well done. These traits of character were not destroyed by the infirmities of age. Though be felt the decay of nature, still be held on his way, and the fatal attack of disease found him in the field of action, and at the post of duty. The Auxiliary Foreign Mission Society of Litchfield county owed much of its success to his activity and fidelity. He has also done much to train up indigent young men for usefulness in the church of Christ. Thas lived and died this friend and benefactor of man. His family and partienlar cirele of friends bave suffered an irreparable loss; but he, we trust, has gained the vic tory, and entered into the joy of his Lord Let us then not be slothful, but followers of them, who, through faith and patience. interit the promises. Answers to Correspondents. H. E.; FAREL. ;a and Iz H. J.-have been received. |