December, 1778. Not long after his birth, his father removed from New Jersey to Virginia, and resided several years on the banks of the Potomac, from thence he removed to Fayette county, in the state of Pennsylvania. Dr. Jennings was educated at Jefferson college in Cannonsburgh, Pennsylvania. After the completion of his collegiate course, he studied law in Washington, Penn. and when he attained his majority he was admitted to the bar. He successfully pursued the practice of law for about fifteen years, and attained an enviable reputation as a lawyer. About the year 1815, he abandoned the practice of law, and turned his attention to the study of divinity, which he pursued with unwearied diligence, until he qualified himself by a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures, to become a teacher of the truths of the gospel. In 1817, he was ordained pastor of the Presbyterian church in Steubenville, in the state of Ohio. He continued to discharge the pastoral office over this congregation, acceptably to his hearers, until the year 1823, when he received a call from the Presbyterian congregation of Washington, Penn. whither he removed with his family, and was regularly inducted as Pastor. Some time in the autumn of 1827, on the retirement of the Rev. Allan D. Campbell from the pastoral charge of the Presbyterian congregation of this town, Dr. Jennings was in vited to occupy his place. He arrived here in November, 1827, and having delivered several sermons much to the gratification of those I who heard him, he was unanimously chosen to fill the vacancy. Having accepted the call, in April 1828, he removed hither with his family, and was soon after solemnly installed pastor of the congregation. This interesting and responsible station he filled until his last illness, with untiring zeal and acknowledged ability, notwithstanding the feeble state of his health for some time previously to his dissolution. His conscientious discharge of what he considered a solemn duty, very probably hastened his end. As a testimony of the high estimation in which he was held at a distance from the scene of his active duties, we will mention that, at the commencement of the College of New Jersey, the degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon him. As a preacher of the Gospel, if Dr. Jennings was not captivating in his manner, or what is called eloquent in delivery, his sermons were characterized by an eloquence of thought, a power of reasoning, and by solid sense, which never failed to impress his hearers with a high opinion of the strength of his intellect, his profound acquaintance with the sacred volume, and the peculiar doctrines of that branch of the Christian church to which he was attached. If he was not remarkable for the energy of his elocution, it was evident he felt what he spoke, and that his advice to those under his peculiar charge, his exhortations to repentance and his solemn warnings to sinners to "flee from the wrath to come," were the outpourings of a soul devoted to the cause in which he was engaged. Strictly orthodox in his faith and zealously devoted to the duties of his high calling, Dr. Jennings occupied a high rank among his clerical brethren. In the conventions of the church his opinions were always listened to with attention, and his suggestions treated with that respect which superior minds always command. In him the cause of Christianity has lost a zealous and able advocate, and the members of his church a pious, sincere, and attached friend. If we follow him into private life, we find him exemplary in all its relations, whether in his own MY DEAR AUNT Nashville, January 17th. "The melancholy task of informing you of the departure of my dear husband and your beloved friend, devolves upon me-yes; he left this vale of tears, and to him of suffering, last Thursday, at halfpast ten o'clock, with a firm reliance on the promises of a covenant keeping God. His death was tranquil, and he remained in perfect possession of his mind, until the last moment. One of the last times I gave him drink, he observed that he should soon drink of the fountain which issues from the throne of God and the Lamb "The winter here was severe; he had repeated attacks of his stomach complaint, and could not get out as usual to renew his strength, but was reduced to a mere skeleton. In that situation the influenza seized him, and terminated his sufferings-yes, my dear friends, I am now comforted, in a faith's view of him, as freed from all suffering, and enjoying holiness. Could you see my composure, what he so ardently longed for, perfect you would be astonished; and I view it as an immediate answer to his prayers for me. "The people here are very kind, and have paid every respect to his memory, that his family could wish. The congregation all wear mourning, and his funeral was the largest ever seen in Nashville. He called for his family, to bid them farewell; and anticipating him, I said, my dear, you can leave your fatherless children to the Lord, and let your widow trust in him. He replied with great emphasis, "that is the legacy, that is the legacy." At another time, just before his death, I asked him if he had no directions to leave me: he said "none;" that he had a strong confidence the Lord would direct me. To his children he gave an appropriate address, and left his blessing to the absent ones. He did not forget his dear flock, but left a message for them, expressing a hope that his death might be sanctified to them. I could relate many other things, but let these suffice for the present. He has The congregation, some time before his death, had met, and requested him to travel twelve, or six months, for his health; and resolved that they would continue his salary, and employ a supply for his pulpit. He was much pleased with the thoughts of going on to the General Assembly; and I was to have gone with him. But the Lord has ordered it otherwise, and "good is the will of the Lord." * View of Publick Affairs. EUROPE. The latest European dates that have reached us, are from Liverpool and Greenock of the 31st of December, and from London of the 30th. Intelligence from the continent, through the English papers, is two or three days less recent. No important political changes are announced, and yet the papers contain a good deal that is new, and some items of importance. BRITAIN. The British Parliament, after a short adjournment, convened on the 6th of December, and was opened by a speech delivered by the king in person. After a short introduction, apologizing for not allowing the Parliament a longer recess from its arduous duties, the king immediately renews the subject of the Reform question; on which he says but little, but it is ad rem, and we quote it, as follows: "I feel it my duty in the first place to recommend to your most careful consideration the measures which will be proposed to you for a Reform in the Commons House of Parliament. A speedy and satisfactory settlement of this question becomes daily of more pressing importance to the security of the state, and to the contentment and welfare of my people." The rest of the speech is employed as usual in noticing a variety of topicks.-The distress of his British subjects, arising from "the want of employment, the embarrassments of commerce, and the consequent interruption of the pursuits of industry."-"The disease of Sunderland, similar in its appearance and character to that which has existed in many parts of Europe"-"The systematic opposition made in Ireland to the payment of tythes," its nature, effects, and need of speedy remedy-"The conduct of the Portuguese government; "that repeated injuries inflicted on British subjects had prevented "a renewal of the diplomatic relations with that country,"-" The arrangements for the separation of the States of Holland and Belgium, followed by a treaty between the Five Powers and the king of the Belgians," the treaty not yet ratified, but expected to be soon, and then to be laid before parliament-" That a similar treaty had not yet been agreed to by the king of the Netherlands," but that he trusted it would be at no distant period, as the Five Powers had been unanimous in their award, and had impartially regarded all the interests concerned." The next two items are so important that we give them entire. "I have the satisfaction to inform you, that I have concluded with the king of the French a Convention, which I directed to be laid before you; the object of which is the effectual suppression of the African slave trade. This Convention, having for its basis the concession of reciprocal rights to be mutually exercised in specified latitudes and places, will, I trust, enable the naval forces of the two countries to accomplish, by their combined efforts, an object which is felt by both to be so important to the interests of humanity. "Regarding the state of Europe generally, the friendly assurances which I receive from foreign powers, and the union which subsists between me and my allies, inspire me with a confidential hope that peace will not be interrupted." The king then addressing the Commons exclusively, adverts to the estimates for the ensuing year, and gives an assurance that they shall be formed "with the strictest regard to economy." Then to the parliament generally he notices "the scenes of violence and outrage which have occurred in the city of Bristol, and in some other places," and says "the authority of the laws must be vindicated by the punishment of offences which have produced so extensive a destruction of property and so melancholy a loss of life;" and recommends the adoption of measures to prevent the occurrence of similar excesses. He concludes his speech in the following words. "Sincerely attached to our free Constitution, I never can sanction any interference with the legitimate exercise of those rights which secure to my people the privileges of discussing and making known their grievances; but in respecting those rights, it is also my duty to prevent combinations, under whatever pretence, which in their form and character are incompatible with all regular government, and are equally opposed to the spirit and to the provisions of the law; and I know that I shall not appeal in vain to my faithful subjects to second my determined resolution to repress all illegal proceedings, by which the peace and security of my dominions may be endangered.' We have given so much of the king's speech, because it comprises all the important articles of intelligence from Britain, Belgium and Holland; and may be regarded as far more authentic than the statements of newspaper paragraphists. From accounts in relation to the Cholera, more recent than the delivery of the king's speech, it seems that this awful pestilence threatens to pervade the whole of Britain. In Scotland it was, when last heard from, more prevalent than in any other part of the island. London had escaped as yet; but its appearance there was daily looked for. This engrossing topick excluded every other, even the interesting question of Reform-On that subject, however, anxiety had a good deal subsided, from the general understanding that the Lords would not stand out; or if they did, that there would be a creation of as many new Peers as would ensure the ministry a majority. It was expected that in any event an addition would be made to the Peerage. FRANCE. There has been an almost general insurrection at Lyons, among the numerous operatives employed in the various manufactories of that populous manufacturing city. The cause of the insurrection is said to have been, the entire insufficiency of the wages allowed to the workmen for the support of their families; and the depressed state of commerce not admitting of more being given them by their employers. The insurgents for a time carried all before them. A part of the military force in the city and vicinity refused to turn out against them; and the corps that appeared under arms were unwilling to fire on the insurgents. A few lives, however, were lost, and some damage done; and then (it could hardly be told how or why,) things returned to much the same state they were in before the disturbance. The occurrence appears to have occasioned much alarm and anxiety at Paris. The ministry were inculpated by the liberals for not foreseeing and preventing it. But all was quiet, both at Paris and Lyons, at the date of the last accounts. i The great question about the Peerage of France has at length been settled, without disturbing the publick quiet. The occurrence, as stated in one of the latest English papers, is as follows:-"The Hereditary Peerage of France Abolished.-On the 28th of December, the bill abolishing the Peerage finally passed the French Chamber of Peers, by a vote of 103 to 70. No particular public sensation was produced by this measure, as the minds of the people were prepared for it." Another English paragraphist, speaking of this transaction, says :-" An hereditary Peerage has ceased to exist in France-that country, which is within three hours' sail of the English shores." The nobility of Britain may well fear the influence of this example. If they should throw out the Reform Bill a second time, they would be likely to fare worse than the Peers of France. A personal assault was committed upon the French Premier, M. Perrier, in the lobby of the Chamber of Deputies, on the 20th of December, by the Count Bouvier Dumolard, Prefect of the Department of the Rhone, and an Extraordinary Councillor of State. M. Dumolard having been summoned to Paris to give an account of the disturbances at Lyons, was in the gallery of the Chamber of Deputies, during a speech of M. Perrier, upon the subject of those disturbances. He took offence, and, on seeing the minister leaving the Chamber, met him at the door, and after a short altercation, seized him by the collar, and would have proceeded to a more serious assault, if a Questeur [a Serjeant at Arms, as we say] with two assistants, had not interfered and released the minister. Dumolard was afterward dismissed from his office as councillor. But he has commenced a paper attack on the minister, in one of the Paris publick papers; and the celebrated O. P. Q. thinks that he has justice on his side. He will probably worry the minister for a while, and thus the matter terminate. From some cause or other, M. Perrier has an influence in the Chambers, with the King, and with the publick at large, which hitherto the liberals have not been able to impair. It would appear that political controversies no longer agitate the great body of the French people; yet the want of commerce and steady employment for the numerous working men of France, occasions a great deal of popular uneasiness. There has been a partial insurrection at Grenoble, and in other places an unquiet spirit is manifested. It is said that the marriage contract between King Leopold, and the second daughter of the queen of France, has been actually signed. SPAIN. All attempts to make an impression in favour of free government in Spain, appear to be fruitless. Yet desperate attempts are still made. Recently the distinguished Spanish patriot, Torrijos, with two small vessels, and a party, we believe of about 180 of his revolutionary friends, left Gibraltar, and made an incursion into Spain -The following short article from a British paper, announces their fate. "A party under the command of General Torrijos, having left Gibraltar for the purpose of landing in Spain and overthrowing the existing government, was driven on shore by some Spanish Guarda Costas five leagues to the west of Malaga, where they were surrounded by a large body of troops, and compelled to surrender. Orders were despatched from Madrid for their immediate execution, and the whole party, amounting to 53, were shot, including an Englishman, whom the representations of the British Ambassador could not save. PORTUGAL.-Don Pedro, as stated in the last accounts of him, was at Paris. He is endeavouring to obtain the assistance both of France and Britain, to recover the crown of Portugal from the usurper who wears it, that it may go to his daughter Donna Maria, to whom he solemnly transferred it, when she was affianced to her perfidious uncle, Don Miguel-who having got the crown, chose not to take the wife. If he had renounced both crown and wife, he had done well. But he is an unprincipled wretch, and a bloody tyrant. We find in the papers by the late arrivals, the following articles. "An expedition is preparing by Don Pedro, against Miguel, at Belle Isle-enmer. The arinament is said to have been commenced. Two English Colonels named Lillie and Leslie, are recruiting in England. The friends of Don Pedro proclaim in Paris, that when he shall have obtained possession of Portugal, he will send an army into Spain. The French render no assistance, but appear not to interfere." LISBON, NOV. 23d.-" The army of Don Miguel amounts to 30,000 of the troops of the line, which are distributed in four divisions. One occupies the province of Estremadura; another that of the Minho; a third that of Algarves, and the fourth Lisbon and its environs. They are all charged to watch the movements of the expedition of Don Pedro, and repel it should a landing be effected." ROME. There is a rumour, it appears, in Britain and France, that a great revolution has broken out at Rome, and that the Pope has been killed, and the palaces of the cardinals pillaged-But the accounts seem to want authenticity-yet they may possibly prove true.. GREECE is still in a distracted state-The following is the last statement we have seen. "The younger assassin of Capo d'Istrias has been shot at Napoli, and no tumult occurred. Mavromichalis addressed the people, and gave the signal, after having made a sign of farewell to his father, who witnessed the scene from the castle, where he is a prisoner. The funeral of Capo d'Istrias was attended with great pomp. Several conspicuous persons have been arrested on suspicion The opposition concentrated at Hydra, is said to have little power." TURKEY.-We find the following article headed Turkey, taken from the British papers by the last arrivals. "Accounts have been rece ed from the Red Sea to the 12th of July. The country about there had suffered greatly from sickness, scurvy, fever, and cholera morbus. The latter was particularly dreaded, as the strongest and healthiest men were carried off in 12 hours. At Mecca, and in the Hadee country, 45,000 souls were carried off in one month. The violent rains has produced great damage in Arabia. Half of Suez has been washed away. The locusts covered the water for miles and miles." HOLLAND and BELGIUM.-The king of Holland has communicated to the conference a definite answer, declaring that he adheres to the 24 articles, except the right of navigation granted to the Belgians in the Dutch waters, which he refuses to recognise. He also complains of the unequal apportionment of debt to Holland, and that the boundaries of Belgium are not definitely fixed, on the side of Germany. RUSSIA and POLAND. It is stated that the emperor Nicholas has granted a free and entire amnesty and permission to return to their country, to all inferior officers and soldiers of the corps of the Polish Generals, Gielgud, Rohland, Chlapowski and Rybinski, who have sought refuge in the Prussian territory. Marshal Owrutsch has been condemned to death and his property confiscated, by a military tribunal. The emperor has commuted death to hard labour. A noble Pole of Kiew has undergone the same condemnation and commutation. A revolt in the military colonies of Russia has broken out; six generals and many officers were killed; being mutilated by the colonists, and then beaten to death. The emperor has not punished any, but has dissolved the colonies, which have been for a long time governed by General Witt. It results, from official data, that the losses of the Russian army, either on the field of battle, or in lazarettos and hospitals, have amounted to 180,000 men. In this enumeration, the capture of Warsaw alone appears to have cost 30,640 lives! The number of Poles at present in banishment, amounts to 62,000. The Prussian government will not deliver over by force to the Russians the Polish refugees, and they have the liberty to-remain. Travellers from Poland, estimate the Russian army there at 150,000 men. We have, at unawares, left ourselves space to chronicle nothing very particularly, out of Europe.-The English and Chinese, at Canton, are still hostile to each other. Power is against the English, but it seems to us that right is on their side. Their case we perceive has come before the British House of Lords.-Nothing warlike is indicated as yet. The Liberia Herald, a newspaper printed at Monrovia, brought by a late arrival at Baltimore, announces, under date of Dec. 22, 1831, the arrival at the colony of two vessels, the Orion of Baltimore, and the Sarah Mercer of Philadelphia, the former bringing 34 emigrants, and the latter 9.-The vessels arrived in safety, and the Colony appears to be prosperous and rapidly increasing. In the Island of Jamaica there has been a great insurrection among the slaves. Many plantations have been burned, and some of the white inhabitants murdered. The last accounts represent the military as engaged in conflict with the slaves, who have, to some extent, been able to arm themselves. There will probably be much bloodshed, before the affair is terminated.Our own Congress appear to be busily employed in committees and debates; but nothing of great interest has yet reached maturity, except the ratio of representation for the next Congress, fixed at 44,000. **We are glad to acknowledge the reception of a continuation of the essays on Mental Science. But the number in hand came too late for insertion this month. Just as we were closing our present Number, we received the melancholy information of the death of the Reverend and patriarchal Joseph Patterson, of Pittsburgh. We are promised an obituary article, relative to him, for our next Number. |