the whole earth to the height of four miles, which he judged to be that of the highest mountains, a quantity at that time considered as extravagant and incredible; but a further progress in mathematical and physical knowledge, has since shown the different seas and oceans to contain at least FORTYEIGHT times more water than they were supposed to do.

Mr. de la Place, calculating their average depth not from a few vague and partial soundings, (for such they have ever been, the polar regions having been never sounded, particularly the Antarctic,) but from a strict application of the theory of the tides to the height to which they are known to rise in the main ocean, demonstrates that a depth, reaching only to half a league, or even to two or three leagues, is incompatible with the Newtonian theory, as no depth under four leagues could reconcile it with the phenomena. The vindication of the Mosaic history does not require even so much. The extent of the sea is known to be far greater than Keil supposed, that of the earth scarcely passing one third of the surface of the globe.

(To be continued.)

A STRANGE SIGHT.

IT is indeed a strange sight to see those that complain they can do nothing without Christ, labouring hard, and those who boast they can do great things, standing idle-to see those that renounce all dependence upon their good works, abounding in good works; and those who expect to be saved by their good works, living in the neglect of good works, and doing the works of the devil. Davies.

FOR THE CHRISTIAN'S MAGAZINE.

THE following view will be succeeded by others of the same nature, as circumstances may permit, from time to time. The detail is given as minutely as possible, both to gratify curiosity, and afford instruction.

The state of the Reformed Church; as also, of the different religious denominations in Holland, previous to the late revolution.

THE doctrines of the Reformed Church, are contained in the decisions of the Synod of Dort-the Belgic Confession of Faith, and the Heidelbergh Catechism.

Her offices are four-fold, viz. teachers, or professors of theology, ministers of the word, elders, and deacons. The number of professors is not limited. In the year 1638, there were four at Leyden, four at Utrecht, two at Harderwyck, three at Franeker, and four at Groningen. Many of these act as ministers of the word also. Their office consists principally in teaching theology, to such as design entering into the ministry of the word. Some make it their business to teach branches of knowledge which are calculated to illustrate theology: such as church history, Jewish antiquities, eastern languages, sacred eloquence, &c. According to the regulations of the Synod of Dort, they are bound to defend the truth against errors of every kind. They are supported at the expense of the province in which

the university to which they belong is situated. In Utrecht, the city alone bears the expense of the university and professors.

The office of ministers of the word is very laborious, and, in most places, the income which they receive but small. They must preach two or three times a week, besides meeting once a week with the consistories, and attending in their turn the Classes and Synods-keep catechetical schools, visit their congregations, especially in times of sickness, and previous to the administration of the Lord's Supper, which happens every three, and in some places, every two months. They are also bound to visit such as are imprisoned for capital crimes, and to accompany them to the place of execution. For all these services they receive in Amsterdam, where their salary is greatest, 2,200 guilders*, and some few presents from the East-India Company. When they accompany the army they receive fifty guilders additional to their regular salary, for the expense of travelling. The ministers of towns in SouthHolland, besides a parsonage, receive 650 guilders : -in North-Holland 600 guilders a-year. In most of the other provinces they receive much less; and in some places their salary is uncertain, as it consists of the tenth of some farms. The salaries of ministers are paid, in a great degree, out of the income of church property. Whenever they are disabled by age, or otherwise, from performing their duties, they in general still retain their salary; and after their death an annuity is settled on their widows. No one can undertake the ministry, unless he be lawfully called; and no unlettered per1 son may be licensed, who does not possess singular

A guilder is 21 pence sterling, or 37 currency.

natural talents. In the cities of Holland, which have a voice in the Assembly of the States, and in the Hague, whenever vacancies occur, the ministers to fill them must be twenty-seven years of age at least in Amsterdam they must be thirty-two-in small cities twenty-five-and in towns twenty-two. The Walloon churches in Holland, call candidates to the ministry who have just reached their twentysecond year. The manner of calling is this: Whenever there is a vacancy, the Consistory request the permission of the magistrates to fill it. Then the Consistory and the Deacons proceed to nominate as many candidates as every one of the members think proper. This nomination is reduced to three, out of which number, if approved by the magistracy, one is chosen by a majority of votes, who is proposed to the magistracy for their approbation; which, if not granted, a new election must be made. Though this be the ordinary mode, yet in some places it is different. In Dordrecht the magistracy name four of their number, who, in conjunction with two ministers and two elders, make the choice. In a certain town of Delfland, which is called the Woud, the congregation possess the right of choosing their minister by a majority of votes. This is also the case in Zevenhoven, in the Island of Texel, and other places. In some places the nomination is made by the ruling Consistory alone, or in concurrence with those who have at any previous time been members of the Consistory. The election is made by the votes of the male members of the congregation.

When the election is properly made, according to the established mode in any place, notice thereof is given to the Classis with which the called minister or candidate for the ministry is connected.

The latter having passed the "Examen præparatoire," or preparatory Examination, is admitted to preach the word; but not to administer the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper. The Classis to which he is called, having examined his election, and found it orderly, proceed, in presence of the Deputati Synodi, or Delegates of Synod, to what is called the Examen peremptoir, or concluding Examination. After this the election is confirmed, of which notice must be given to the congregation for three Lord's days successively, publicly in church; that if any are dissatisfied they may have the opportunity of making it known. When the time appointed for ordination is come, one of the ministers of the Classis preaches a sermon on the occasion; and then reads the form of ordination to the candidate, requiring his answer to the questions proposed. This done, he comes down from the pulpit, and causes the candidate to kneel, when putting his hands on him and praying for the divine blessing, he ordains him to the work of the holy ministry. In case more ministers are present, they join in the imposition of hands. If the person chosen is already ordained, the examination and ordination is omitted: but the other ceremonies are performed. The candidates and ministers must declare under oath that they have given, and will give nothing, in any way, for any call; this practice being prohibited as Simony. They are, by several statutes of the supreme authority, forbidden to introduce state matters in the pulpit; but must exhort their people to obey the magistracy four times a-year, at the ordinary meetings of the States of Holland; the delegates of the Synods of Holland have liberty to deliver into them a written memorial, through the pensionary. Both ministers and candidates