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We are unable to obtain the exact number of towns in all the states. The number of towns in the states marked with an asterisk is taken from the list of Post offices published in 1831. Some towns have more than one post office, while others have none. In many counties in the southern and western states, there was, in 1831, only one post office to a whole county. So that the number of towns in these states probably exceeds the number of post offices. But taking the number of post offices in these states for the number of towns, allowing but one Presbyterian or Congregational church to a town, it shows that Maine has 137 towns without a Presbyterian or Congregational church; New Hampshire, 75; Vermont 53; Pennsylvania 176; Ohio 337; Kentucky 263; North Carolina 352; South Carolina 190; Georgia 187; Virginia 706.

The state best supplied is Connecticutit having one Presbyterian or Congregational minister to 1,400 of its population. The state the most destitute is Louisiana, it having but one Presbyterian minister to about 100,000 of its inhabitants. The New England states have one Presbyterian or Congregational minister to every

2,500 of their population. The middle states have one to every 3,850. The western states one to 6,470. The southwestern states one to 10,440. The southern states one to 12,240.

The New England states, New York and New Jersey, with a population of 4,667,600, have 1,647 Presbyterian or Congregational ministers. The other states where is a population of 10,062,400, have only 1,281 such ministers. In these states it is thought not more than 1,300,000 are supplied by the Presbyterian and Congregationalists. So that 9,000,000 are left by them to be supplied by other denominations. May not other denominations blame Presbyterians and Congregationalists for not doing their proportion in these states? Some of the states peculiarly destitute of Presbyterian and Congregational churches, are largely blessed with churches and ministers of other denominations; but the United States as a whole, is little more than half supplied with evangelical churches and ministers. A population of 15,000.000 with but about 8,000 well qualified ministers. must have, at a low calculation, 7,000,000 destitute, or but imperfectly supplied.-The operation of all evangelical denominations need

to be doubled to meet the present religious wants of that land. The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, and he will send forth labourers into the harvest.

This important document was prepared by the Rev. John A. Murray, Corresponding Secretary of the American Home Missionary Society, and is highly creditable to his diligence. When may we hope to see such an analysis for England?

BRITISH CONNEXION WITH IDOLATRY IN INDIA.

It was justly remarked by the late Dr. Carey, "Idolatry destroys more than the sword." The writer has just received a file of Indian papers, entitled "The Philadelphian," from Feb. 1 to June 10, 1836, which show the present state of British Connexion with Idolatry in India, to that date. They relate a most appalling sacrifice of human life at the last Car Festival, at Conjeceram, near Madras, and the consequent steps of the British Government in that part of India. Some extracts will show the nature of British patronage of Hindooism. The Editor, under date April 20th, states;"We hear that an occurrence, fraught with serious consequences, lately took place at the Car Festival at Conjeveram. This festival of the Saiva sect is held in the end of March, and is celebrated at the large temple containing a stone image, worshipped under the name of Yegambara Eeswer. While the Car was being drawn the cable broke, and the people behind the wheels not knowing what had occurred, continued to push them on by means of levers, as usual; so that they went over several persons who were unable to extricate themselves. It is stated that nine persons were killed on the spot, and a greater number severely hurt. We hear that the Tahsildar was near the wheels, and with some difficulty escaped. He is said to have written a letter to the English Collector to beg that the drawing of the Car might be stopped, whether for that occasion only, or entirely, we are not certain. It is surely time that the victims of superstition should begin to open their eyes; and we think a paternal government might take advantage of such occurrences, to put a stop, at least to THE AVOWED PATRONAGE of such things; and leave the Brahmuns themselves to draw the car, or not, as they please. It is not a great many years since a Car broke down at Dindigal, and killed several

persons. We have lately heard that the Car in the village of Marargudee and Thumpee stood still in defiance of the efforts to move them. We accept these things as shadows of coming events, when the idols shall be utterly abolished."

In a subsequent paper it is stated: -"Adverting to the unhappy affair at Conjeveram, we were scrupulous to avoid exaggeration. We believe that mine persons were instantly killed, and that fifteen died afterwards from the wounds received. Others were said to be hurt, but without fatal consequences. The fact, without comment, has a voice, which, if we mistake not, will reach England, and be reverberated in sounds which must be heard by those to whom the regula tion of these matters properly belongs." On the continued patronage of Idolatry by a Christian Government, another Madras Paper, dated April 22nd, forcibly observes, "See the complication of wickedness which any future blood-shedding will involve. It will not then be the inadvertent transgression of an order incidental to the act, but the obstinate transgression, after a warning by the loss of fifteen lives, of an order direct upon this subject, and that by Christians, for the purpose of upholding what they profess to abhor, viz. idolatry, and that at the sacrifice of human life to the idol! It will be a crime attaching not only to the Government, but to every Christian, and to relieve each from its guilt, the necessary measures to prevent its occurrence must be taken. Let it be borne in mind, that it is not to the natives pulling the Car that we object, but, to their being forced to do so, and to their being drawn from their homes for that purpose. We have written as Christians to Christian readers, and knowing that the Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will,' we have been anxious to avert, if possible, the transfer of the dominion of this empire from the British crown, and to avert from ourselves the guilt of the continuance of this practice by participation."

It is a source of gratification to learn from the last Paper in the file of June 10th, that Government have taken some steps in this business. "It gives us sincere pleasure to announce that Government have practically seceded from authorizing the pressing the Ryots (or tenants) to draw idol cars, and flogging them by Peon, when so engaged. Whether the matter has, or has not, been officially announced, we do not know, but the natives have arrived at a general understanding that such is the case. The sim

bably nearly or quite equal, not to mention other places of inferior note. I think it a great pity that the abolition of this source of revenue was not formally provided for by the new Charter." Hence it is evident, merely to discontinue compelling Hindoos and Hindoo Chris. tians to drag the idol cars, is like "the dust of the balance." Let Britain shake her hands from the bribes of Idolatry. What has an enlightened Christian Government to do with taxing the miserable pilgrims of India for the sake of gain, endowing temples, repairing gods and cars, subsidizing the priests, &c. &c.? Does this become our national character, or our common Christianity? British patronage of Idolatry increases its popularity, and promotes pilgrimages with all their attendant misery and death. Oh that British functionaries in India would let Idolatry alone. Then the sentiment of the Latin poet would soon be verified in its numerous establishments of vice, superstition, and misery," Vis consili expers mole ruit sua." Surely the British Government will speedily wash their hands from the pollution of idols, and forbear to frustrate the triumphs of Christianity in the civilization and evangelization of Hindostan.

ple cession from connivance at that which
no policy could order or approve, may
lead the more intelligent natives to medi.
tate on the rationale of immense labour
being used to draw a god, which ought
to be able to move without aid. The
Government order for non-interference
arrived at Conjeveram only a few days
before the celebration of the annual
May festival." Reference is particularly
made, under date May 20th, to the
important measure of the Honourable
Court, dated Feb, 1833, for the aboli-
tion of British patronage of Idolatry in
India, as not having yet taken effect.
The Editor states,-" From the passage
of the Tract Society's Report, 1835, ex-
tracted in the present number, it will be
seen that the Committee suppose that a
change has taken place as regards Bri-
tish patronage of Hindoo Idolatry. It is
natural for them to expect that a conces-
sion of principle has been followed by
practical consequences. However, as yet,
with an insignificant exception, relative
to Cuddapah, we know of none.
If any
of our friends, or the friends of Chris-
tianity in general, can inform us of any
change of the system, in any place what-
soever, it will be among the most welcome
subjects for us to make known. The
topic has begun to attract renewed atten-
tion in England. We have seen Mr. P.'s Lincolnshire.
letter to W. Bentinck, and the latter's
reply. Mr. Poynder moved on the sub-
ject in the Court of Proprietors, and was
complimented for his zeal, and told that
information was expected. Considering
that the general principle against the
patronage of Idolatry has been conceded
by the Authorities in England, that the
sole decision of the question rests with
the Governor General, that official in-
quiries have been said to be in course of
extensive prosecution by orders of the
Supreme Government, and that public
anxiety, as to nothing being done, has
been awakened, we may expect some
practical concessions:- provided the state
of the revenue will permit, a point on
which we are by no means sanguine."

It is deeply to be regretted, that Britain should patronize, and even amass wealth, from Hindoo Idolatry. This state of things prevails at Juggernaut, Gya, Allahabad, and other places in the Bengal Presidency. A correspondent at Madras writes, "There can be no doubt that the receipts from the temple of Tripetty, exclusive of charges, amount annually to one lac of rupees, (£10,000), and it is certain that the revenue from Conj veram, 40 miles west of Madras, cannot be less; while the revenues from Seringham, Madura, and Purney are proN. S. NO. 143.

PHILANTHROPOS.

ADDRESS OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE
CHURCH RATE ABOLITION SOCIETY,
TO THE PEOPLE OF GREAT BRITAIN
AND IRELAND.

Countrymen and Fellow Subjects! —

Having been appointed by a numerous and highly respectable meeting, held in the Metropolis on Wednesday, the 19th of October, to superintend the interests of the Institution then formed, we proceed to discharge our first duty by submitting our righteous cause to your calm and deliberate attention, and by entreating your prompt and generous co operation in the attainment of our object,the Immediate and Entire Extinction of Church Rates.

Among the various grievances which Protestant Dissenters have so long endured, the compulsory payment of Church Rates has been one of the most oppressive. They have complained of this Exaction, not merely on the ground of its amount-though this has often been considerable-nor principally on the ground of political injustice-though this they have deemed both palpable and flagrant -but, first, and chiefly, because they have felt it as a moral wrong, rudely inflicted by the hand of oppression on the conscientious and the upright. It is well 5 L

known that one section of Nonconformists, though characterized by unexampled patience and forbearance, have ever refused payment of the Rate, and have taken" joyfully the spoiling of their goods," rather than yield subimission to a law which they solemnly regarded as a violation of justice, an outrage on religion, and a dishonour to God.

Countrymen and Fellow Subjects!Can it excite your displeasure or surprise that men should feel, and keenly feel it as a gross injustice to be compelled to support those forms of religion from which they derive no personal advantage, but against which they are constrained by the authority of conscience to protest? Do you think it strange that large and influential classes of the community, having complained so long, and hitherto without redress, should now speak in louder tones, and stronger language, or that their patience should begin to fail? rather, is not their forbearance beneath the burden a just cause for admiration, and an additional claim for their immediate and complete relief?

Dissenters from the Church of England!—We do honour to the principles which have kept you passive under long inflicted wrongs: hitherto you have complained only; and you have complained in vain. Evince now the value and the power of your principles, by prompt and steady effort. Arise to duty; and by the vigorous employment of every means which the constitution of your country and the religion you profess sanction, seek for yourselves and for your children, at once, and for ever, the Extinction of the Church Rate.

It is often assumed by members of the Established Church, that their numbers include an overwhelming majority of the population that the wealth of the country is in their hands, and its influence under their control. We will assume, for the occasion, the accuracy of these conclusions: but, were the case reversed, would the members of the Episcopal Communion deem it reasonable, or generous, or just, that the few should be required to support the many? that the lowly should be compelled to sustain the powerful? And is it possible that an Establishment, upheld by such wealth, and rank, and numbers, can need support from the forced contribution of a feeble minority, dissenting from its government and discipline? Or, is it possible that the affluent members of an Establishment, possessing endowments so ample, should continue to dishonour them selves, and injure and disgrace their cause, by perpetuating the compulsory

payments of Dissenters for the maintenance of their worship and the repairs of their Churches?

In many members of that communion we have, indeed, rejoiced to witness nobler principles, and better feelings. They have laboured to efface the deep stain that has long been attached to Episcopacy; they have proved jealous for the honour of their Zion; they have disclaimed their dependence on the support, unwillingly rendered, by the conscientious Dissenter; and they have proved that the offerings of love have exceeded the exactions of injustice, no less in abundance than in moral worth. Members of the Church of England !— Follow these honourable examples of your brethren. Be just-" do unto others as ye would that they should do unto you." Disprove the imputation that you are unwilling to support the Church which you profess to venerate and love. Generously co-operate to relieve your Nonconformist fellow-subjects from oppression; and you will thus command for your principles their veneration, and bind their hearts in bonds of affection to your own!

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We are anxious that the precise object of the Institution which we represent should be distinctly understood — THE ABOLITION, THE IMMEDIATE AND TOTAL ABOLITION OF CHURCH RATES. To any measure of Commutation, on the principle proposed to Parliament by Lord Althorp in the year 1834, the objections are insuperable.

Deeply as we deplore local divisions and party strife, we should prefer, decidedly prefer, with all its evils, the continuance of the present system of parochial taxation, to any Legislative Enactment providing for the erection or repairs of Ecclesiastical Buildings from the general revenue of the country. Such a measure would present a temptation alike to selfishness and extravagance, by placing the sums expended beyond the salutary influence of popular control;would tend to perpetuate that principle of injustice which is now, in many parishes, legally resisted with complete success;-would uphold a system, which cannot long be maintained in the present enlightened state of public opinion, and which ought forthwith to be universally abolished. Such a plan of commutation also would introduce a new and highly offensive principle into our system of national taxation; and impose a burden upon our fellow-subjects, both in Scotland and Ireland, to which their opposition must be strong and determined.

It cannot be seriously doubted, that in all populous parishes, the members of the Established Church are able, and would prove willing, to preserve in repair the sacred buildings exclusively appropriated to their own service: and, if it be maintained, that Legislative provision should be made for the maintenance of those situated in rural districts, where the inhabitants are few and generally poor, still we must express our deliberate conviction, that such provision might be found in the the revenues of the Church itself. Whether in the general appropriation of a portion of large bequests, not now wholly required by the particular churches for the preservation of which they were originally designed, or in the abolition of some of the many affluent sinecures connected with our Cathedral and Collegiate Establishments -always faithfully respecting existing interests-whether from these, or from other sources, the Legislature should provide for the limited necessities of the case supposed, it is not for us to pronounce a judgment; but we entertain the most unhesitating confidence, that such a measure would prove not only practicable, with perfect safety to the Church of England, but alike easy, natural, and just. Already, the wisdom and authority of Parliament have entirely delivered our fellow-subjects in the Sister Kingdom from the exaction of Church Cess; and the justice rendered to Ireland is the justice which we ask for Britain.

Countrymen and Fellow-Subjects!For the successful prosecution of this just cause, your cordial and combined exertions are indispensable, and we che rish the assurance that they will cheerfully be rendered. While Law continues to give its sanction to this evil, employ all legal measures to prevent its infliction; and, when these are unavailing to mitigate its force, attend parochial vestries, and there appeal to the kindness and justice of your neighbours; and if such means fail, and numbers prove against you, carefully examine into the validity of the rate, scrutinize the expenditure of Churchwardens, and firmly resist the illegal application-a case not unfrequently occurring of the Church Tax. We need not inform you, that by this course Church Rates have already been abolished in many parishes; nor that such legal resistance would have been far more extensive, had it not been restrained by the hope that, at an early period, Parliament would terminate the grievance.

But, that this hope may be realized,

we respectfully and most earnestly entreat you

TO FORM LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS throughout the country, for the total and immediate Abolition of Church Rates. To raise Funds, by Donations and small Subscriptions, for meeting unavoidable expenses.

To maintain Correspondence with the Metropolitan Committee.

To appoint One or more Delegatesmen of judgment combined with zeal -to attend a meeting to be holden in London, at the commencement of the next session of Parliament.

To petition both Houses of the Legislature for redress.

And, above all, respectfully, but explicitly, to submit to your Representatives in Parliament, your principles and wishes-nrging their zealous assistance in the attainment of the object.

Countrymen and Fellow-Subjects!Upon your early adoption and persevering application of such measures our success depends. Plead not, as a palliative for apathy, the disinclination of the Government to entertain your wishes, nor the unwillingness of the Legislature to redress your wrongs. In His Majesty's Administration are some of the most devoted and steady friends of civil and religious freedom, for whose services in that holy cause, both when in office and out of office, we, and our children, are laid under the weightiest obligations; and we should do these honourable men much wrong, could we imagine that they were now unwilling to gratify the just wishes of the people whom they have so often laboured to serve, and by whom, in return, they have been gratefully cherished, and faithfully sustained.

The present Commons' House of Parliament, by their various enlightened and liberal decisions, animate our hopes, and forbid our misgivings: nor can we believe, that our Noble hereditary Legislators will prove insensible to the just appeals of an united people, when pleading for conscience, and claiming justice.

In such a cause we must not, indeed, anticipate success without exertion. Bad institutions engender and sustain bad habits. Prejudices long gratified, yield slowly; and selfishness, that master passion, is the great enemy of our canse. But though the conflict may be sharp, the issue is not doubtful. Be calm-be firm-be persevering: subdue violence by good temper, and meet reproaches with good will; and the day is not far distant when we shall rejoice with you, that the sacred rites of religion are no

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