Poetry. 173 have been formed have been more or humanity. Would it not then be desirable less answered. What prevents the to form associations in every part of the formation of a society for this object? kingdom, whose object should be to raise a little fund for the necessary expences The great concern in the first instance is to circulate knowledge upon the attending such unions, and that these as sociations should use their best endeavours subject, to communicate to the peo to impress upon the minds of the people at ple at large a knowledge of their own large, the desirableness and practicability interest. When the nation feels that of abolishing the system of war altogether peace is its interest there will be an Could the ministers of religion make a betexpression of that conviction in the ter use of their pulpits than to inculcate general voice, that will be uttered in from them the doctrine of Jesus Christ, behalf of humanity and reason. the doctrine of peace? There is no need “ It is alas too certain that war never object in which all may unite, it is a con of making this a party question, it is an will be abolisher so long as men content cern of "general and universal interest; themselves with deploring its evils and la under whatever government men may live, menting its prevalence : some definite and persevering exertions must be made before sovereign, they can conscientiously unile wbatever be their loyal attachment to their any bope can be entertained of its cessa. their endeavours for peace. tion. It is in vain for us to flatter our. selves with the hope that after a long and for this benevolent purpose will be confined “ Nor let us imagine that associations sanguinary war we shall repose in pro to this country, the friends of humanity found peace and qniet ; if we do not take and religion in every part of Europe, in some steps to destroy the system of war altogether. Living as is our privilege, in fully contribute their assistance to an ob every quarter of the globe, would cheera conntry where the utmost liberty of speech and discussion by press is allowed, ject so powerful in its tendency to ameli orate the human race and increase the so far as is consistent with decorum and comforts of mankind." good order, a mighty engine of benevolence is in the power of every friend of POETRY. bear; Reflections after reading Sir Robert Ker Turn'd to a bed of rest the snow-clad Porter's Account of the French Cam- plain, paign in Russia, 1812. And in oblivion wrapp'd their sufferings I. past. Again the Niemen's cross’d! with willing Unheard of woes, for what were ye en. V. band, dured ? l'd close the Book so fraught with human why these sad scenes beheld so wide and woe ; far? Nor longer dwell on Gallia’s warlike band; Had ye to all mankind long peace ensur’d: By death in ev'ry horrid form laid low ! Had freedom's cause led Gallia's sons to II. war! But mem'ry will be brooding o'er the VI. scene, Where discord, strife and horror reign’d Much might be said to mitigate the loss around; That Parents, Widows, Orphans, long must Where with gigantic stride and dreadful When o’er the mind the glorious cause inien, should cross; Pale death with countless victims, strew'd the ground. 'Twould soothe ihe pang for those they held so dear. III. Welcome his fatal shafts ! 'twere they VII. alone, But even this consoling thought's denied; Reliev'd at once the dying man's despair ; And execrations from the mourners burst; They husb’d the wounded soldier's stifled “ Curs'd be the tyrant's overreaching groan, pride; That on the midnight breeze assail'd the Curs\d his ambition, and his mem'ry ear. curs'd." IV. VIII. 'Twere they reliev'd the agonizing pain, “ But for this ruthless war, my boy had Shot thro' the soul, by Russia's northern bless'd, blast ; With youthful spirits, bis pateroat bome; mourn man. But now he's sank, by unknown ilis op- And tore away the veil from mortal sight, press'd, While shewn by thee, th' ETERNAL's glory And with bis life my fondest hopes are bright gone." Is own'd,-felt,--seen,-ev’n in this world IX. of crinie! Thus mourns the parent whose ill-futed Thou, once a slumberer on the Saviour's son, breast! Back to his country never must return; Deemd worthy to be call'd the Virgin's The widow thus bewails her husbaud Sua! gone; And for their Sires ten thousand orphans Fav'rite of Jesus —lov'd and honour'd best ! X. Whose brow now bears a martyr's golden « Ill-fated Host!” the Russian Patriot's crown, O let the fire of extacy divine steel, Was not unaided to ensure thy doom ; Wbich glow'd within thy bosom, influence mine! A, A northern winter's frown thy ranks must feel, To Spring A northern snow must prove thy warrior's tomb. Thrice welcome ! soul-reviving Spring, XI. That com’st with smiles; and with thee Gladding the plains, Their softest straips. When tears hang trembling on the spray, Lewes, Feb. 9, 1816. May softly hymn departed day, With pensive voice; From the German of Schiller. But when thou com’st enchanting May, Wrapt in gloomy mist of even All hearts rejoice. All my joys are fled afar, The violet, and the primrose pale, One bright ray in mem'ry's heaven Perfume with sweets the vernal gale, Lingers,-one immortal star. Roses and lilies of the vale, See it beam celestial light; United bring, No! 'tis but a gleam of night. Their choicest, fairest charms to hail Death's long slumber hath o'erta'en thee, Returning Spring. Veil'd those lovely eyes of thine Ah ! I have seen a blushing rose, Can my sorrows, Emma, pain thee?" At young-eyed morning just unclose, Beats thy bosom now with mine? Wafting with every gale that blows Ah! thou liv'st in light above; Fragance around, But thou liv'st not for my love! Cropt off before it fully blows, Fade on the ground. This fate was thine, thou lovely maid ! All beneath is fleeting ever: 'Twas faithless love that thee betray'd, must love too pass away? (Thou fairest flower of all the glade) Can this flame of heav'nly fire And yew trees wave, Where oft with breaking heart I tread C. S. Epigram on Scott's Waterloo. Celestial Eagle! that on wing sublime, How prostrate lie the heaps of slain Rose above heav'n in thy seraphic flight, On Waterloo's immortal plain ! And brought the secrets of the stars to But none by sabre or by shot, light, Fell half so fiat as WALTER SCOTT. And gave eternal day to darksome time; Yet who with magic spear or shield, That fill'd with heavenly gladness carthlý E'er fought like him on Flodden Field ? clime, Morn. Chron; ( 175 ) INTELLIGENCE. DOCUMENTS. FOREIGN. issued by the Mayor of Nismes, reFrench Protestants. specting the opening of the Protestant churches. The Marquis de Vallon ques, by whom it is signed, was not Royal Ordinance. appointed to his office by the King, Louis, by the Grace of God, King of but by M. de Bernis, one of the ComFrance and Navarre, &. missaries of the Duc d'Angouleme, “ We are informed that our Ordi. who displaced, for that purpose, M. nance of the 21st of Nov. last, has re- Donant, a most faithful Royalist and ceived in the town of Nismes the re- Protestant, who had been nominated spect and submission we expected ; by the King immediately on his rethat though the criminal whom jus- turn :tice demands is not yet secured, strict Notice to the Inhabitants of the City of searches have been made ; that they Nismes. have been seconded by the National Guard and the inhabitants; and that will of the King secure the exercise « The laws of the realm and the every thing announces that the assassin of General Lagarde has neither of the Protestant worship. I tell you so, I, who am your magistrate, your asylum nor protection at Nismes. “On the other hand, the article of mayorI, who have surely some claims to your confidence. The Prothe Constitutional Charter, which, in recognizing the Catholic religion Thursday next, and that day will testant churches will be opened on for the religion of the State, secures to other religions liberty and protec- prove to the King, to France, and to tion, has been faithfully executed. the blindness of a few women and Europe, who are our accusers, that The temple of the Protestants is open, children is not the crime of the city and they enjoy therein all the security of Nismes, which has distinguished which is guaranteed to them by the itself on so many occasions, and even laws. After so marked a return to prin to the King. recently, by its fidelity and devotion ciples and order, we will no longer “ Women who are blinded by your postpone the revocation of the sigo- zeal, and perhaps excited by your rous measures which necessity drew from us. enemies, you will not once more ruin “ For these reasons we have order. your city, and gratify by your errors the enemies of the Royal cause. ed and do order what follows : “Art. 1. The troops quartered in assured, and for that reason I have a garrisonoron the inhabitantsof Nismes, ferences are opened, and nearly ter pleasure in informing you, that conshall be without delay withdrawn, and distributed in the barracks, and minated, with the Consistory of the in such parts of the department of the to restore, by common consent, to Protestant worship. Their object is Gard, as our Military commandant may judge necessary. the worship of the State, the churches • 2. Our Prefect shall declare to the which have been conceded to the Pro inhabitants of Nismes, that we are testant worship. Two churches will satisfied with the zeal with which lieu of that concession. During that be built, and that very shortly, in they concurred in the maintenance of short interval, the Protestants may tranquillity, and the re-establishment of order in our sajd good city. enjoy, undisturbed, the churches thus “3. Our Minister, Keeper of the conceded. The people of Nismes need Seals, and our Ministers for War, and only know the will of the King, and the Interior, and General Police, are hear the voice of the Royal Authoricharged with the execution of the ties, to do their duty. “ Marquis de VALLONQUES, Mayor." present Ordinance. (Signed) « LOUIS." “ Nismes, Dec. 19, 1815." “ Given at Paris, Jan. 10, 1816.". The Official Gazette of this day an nounces, that tranquillity is restored Paris, Jan. 12. in the South ; notwithstanding which The following is the Proclamation assertion, we have authentic accounts I am of the following transactions having Royal Authorities of that place. The recently taken place in that part of Prefect of that city having learned the kingdom that the President of the Protestant At Sommières, the Protestants, Consistory had received letters from having attempted to celebrate their the English Society for the Protecworship on the 24th of December, tion of Religious Liberty, called up the power of which they had been that minister before him, compelled deprived of since the month of July, him to deliver them up, and threatenthey met with the most barbarous ed him with a criminal prosecution treatment on that account. for corresponding with the enemies of The royal troops, which do not the State. cease to infest the environs of Nismes, It may not be unworthy of notice, exercise continual vexations on the that the soldiers, who, by the late Protestants. On the 22nd of Decem- Royal Ordonnance are removed from ber a detachment of about fifty men Nismes, were quartered solely on the broke into the house of M. Mourier, Protestants during their stay in that a gentleman of property at St. Blan- city; and that the whole weight of card, lately returned from emigration, extraordinary contributions is made who had just time to effect his es- to fall upon the Protestants, of which cape. Failing in their main object, the following is a striking instance: these brigands completely pillaged The Marquis de Calvieres, a Catholic the premises, and daily continue their gentleman, enjoying a landed estate depredations in the neighbourhood. of 60,000 livres a year, is assessed at Several families at Nismes have ab- 600 livres-while Mr. Brosse de Pier. jured their religion, the motive of don, a Protestant, whose income awhich is evident. They are families mounts to about 10,000 livres, has of mechanics and workmen, who are paid within this last year the sum ' without bread in consequence of the of 15,000 livres towards those contripersecutions they have undergone. butions. The Protestant manufacturers have, for the most part, fled, and the Ca- (From the Journal des Debats.) tholics will not employ Protestant Protestant Society of London. workmen ; besides which, the looms The anxiety and inquiries of the and frames of the latter have been Protestant Society of London have destroyed, and they are reduced to at least produced one good effect.the alternative of recanting or starv. These inquiries have become, to a ing. very considerable class of Frenchmen, This system of persecution has ex- an opportunity for manifesting sentitended to Bordeaux and its neigh- ments, respecting which the most bourhood. Its effects have also been perfidious malevolence cannot any felt at Nantz, the President of the longer express a doubt. From all Consistory of that city having been sides, the heads and the members of sent into exile. Tristaillon, Quatre- the Consistories are eager to prove, taillon, and another brigand of that by the most authentic protestations party, made their entry lately into and the most formal declarations, that Lyons. They wore in their hats white no real cause existed for the proceedcockades of a preposterous size, in the ings of the Society in London, and midst of which was displayed a large that an excess of zeal alone inspired red cross, the characteristic badge of that Society with its fears and suspi. the fanatics of Nismes. These crusa- cions. The following is the extract ders met with a very ill reception from a letter which M. Martineau de from the people of that city, several la Zalgue, President of the Consistory of whom have been arrested upon a of the Reformed Church at Clairac, charge of having insulted them. In has written to his Excellency the consequence of the spirit of the Lyon- Minister of the Interior, sending to nese being so unfavourable to these him at the same time the letter which culprits, the latter have been trans-' the Society of London had addressed ferred to some town in the province to all the Consistories of France:of Bourbonnais. The refugees from “ Full of an entire confidence in his Nismes have been warmly greeted by Majesty Louis XVIII. my well-hethe people of Lyons; which circum- loved King, I look for peace and transtance has given great disgust to the quillity on the earth from him alone. Intelligence. French Protestants. 177 The finest promises of protection and nesty, proposed in your name, by aid from a foreign goveroment cannot your ministers, has subdued all ha make any impression on my heart; treds, dissipated all alarms, calmed God, my country, and the Charter all resentments, re-establisher univerof my King, are my sacred signs of sal confidence, and blended into one rallying, and I would die rather than common sentiment of gratitude and abandon them. love, the differences of opinion which These, Sir, are the sentiments party spirit had fomented. which I unceasingly endeavour to for- “ Siré, posterity will place the tify by my discourses and my exam- name of Louis XVIII. between those ple, in the minds and hearts of my of Louis XII. and Henry IV. The flock, and where they have long since latter, who was your ancestor and been engraven ; and I dare affirm, your mudel, has always been, to the without fear of contradiction, that the Protestants of France, the object of King has not any subjects more de- a sort of adoration. We love, Sire, voted than the Protestants of Clairac." to discover him again in you ; and if We think it our duty to add to this our ancestors had the glory of pownew testimony, the following extract erfully contributing towards placing from an address sent to the king by him on a throne which has become the President, Pastors, and Members your inheritance, we will prove, by of the Reformed Consistories of the our conduct towards your sacred perDepartment of the Ardeche. son, that the Protestants of the pre* Sire, your faithful subjects, pro. sent day have the same love and the fessing the reformed religion in the same fidelity for the august family of department of Ardeche, conie to lay the Bourbons which animated the at the foot of the throne the respectful Protestants of two centuries back. homage of their gratitude and love. “ We are, Sire, with the most proThey form no body in the State ; they found respect, your Majesty's most do not harbour the guilty thought of humble and most obedient servants forming one ; united together by the and faithful subjects, the Presidents, single bond of a common worship, Pastors, and Members of the Reformthey are also united to all your sub-ed Consistories of the Department of jects hy their sentiments for your au- the Ardeche." gust person ; and the precious title of [Here follow the signatures.) Frenchmen is sufficient for their happiness and glory.LIt is in this quality, Proclamation of the Prefect to the InSire, that they come to swear to your habitants and the National Guard of Majesty an unlimited fidelity. the City of Nismes. “ They have no complaints to Nismes, Jan. 20. make; no petition to offer : they re- “ At last, brave and loyal Inhabi. ly implicitly on your justice and good- tants, aud National Guards, after so ness. The tribute which they pre- much solicitude for your happiness sume to offer to you is equally pure and your renown, I perceive a bright and disinterested ; and their language day shine upon this city, whose pomust be that of unalterable gratitude pulation has given so many proofs of and entire devotion. While the torch its unalterable fidelity to legitimate of fanaticism, repressed by your Ma- monarchy, to the August House which jesty, has been shaken in less happy reigned so long over our happy andistricts, they have constantly enjoy- cestors, and who, if our vows are ed all the liberty guaranteed by that heard by the Supreme Arbiter of naCharter, the immortal offspring of tions and monarchs, shall reign for your noble wisdom, and the pledge ever over our descendants. of your gooduess. No attempt has “ The King is satisfied with your been made to check the impulse of conduct; he has fulfilled all my wishtheir conscience, to oppose their de- es and rewarded all my efforts, by votions which they publicly practise, ordering me to make known his soveand in which they fervently pray for reign and paternal satisfaction. your safety and happiness. « Thus are obliterated a few er“You come, to secure to us for rors, into which perfidious agitators, ever that internal tranquillity which abusing even your attachment to your can alone serve as the basis for the king, had drawn you. Thus are anni. public prosperity. That tutelary am- hilated those calumnious reports, which VOL. II, |