found one persuasive to religion, or one incentive to virtue, in all he has ever written? His feelings are not those feelings which" wonder at their own sweet will," scattering beauty around them and which picture this earth as a path a flowery path to heavenly skies. No; he never touches upon these things he draws but one portrait-it is that of a man laden with iniquitywho lives in settled gloom-gnashing his teeth in silence-and who views his own vicious actions without remorse. It is that of a man who keeps aloof from his fellow-creatures-devoid of every social feeling, and foremost in every crime. Burns, the dissipated Burns, had far loftier ideas of all that is great and good, than this man; and knew much more of the duty of a real poet-for in one of his letters he declares that an "irreligious poet is a monster." But is there any hope of a change~ of a renunciation of those infidel principles which he now cherishes? It is true that there are hints and passages in his writings, which indicate better feelings; but these recur but seldom, they come like shadows, so depart." Perhaps it might be wrong to say that such a change is impossible; but we are obliged to say, it is unlikely, for tho' we may be willing to hope that he will one day come to that fountain which is open for sin and for uncleanness, yet we must recollect that men do not gather figs of thorns, or grapes of thistles. | 258 for the Gentlefolks, we have nothing to do with it; hear what he says, A light to lighten the Gentlefolks. Are there not Heathens in Albion, as well as in Owhyhee? FULFILMENT OF A PREDICTION. A Gentleman travelling in a stage coach, attempted to divert the company by ridiculing the Scriptures, a common practice with the sceptics of the present day. "As to the prophecies," said he," in particular, they were all written after the events took place." Aminister in the coach, who had hitherto been silent, replied, “Sir, I must beg leave to mention one remarkable prophecy as an exception, 2 Pet. iii. 2. Knowing this first, that there shall come in the latter days scoffers." Now Sir, whether the event be not long after the prediction, I leave the company to judge. The mouth of the scorner was stop ped! DEVOTION NOT TO BE CONSTRAINED. AN Arabian once, in a mosque where Ali was present, said his prayers in such an improper manner of pronunciation, as enraged the caliph: who, when he had ended, reproved him, and, hurling his slippers at him, commanded him to repeat them, which he did with great propriety of tone and emphasis. After he had done, says Ali, "Surely thy last prayers were better than the former." By no means," replied the Arab, "for the first I said from devotion to God, but the last from the blow of thy slippers!" ANECDOTE OF DR. GIFFORD. As the late Dr. Gifford was one day shewing the British Museum to strangers, he was much hurt by the profane conversation of a young gentleman present. The Doctor taking an ancient copy of the Septuagint, and shewing it to him-"Oh," said the gentleman, "I can read this." "Well," said the Dootor, "read that passage," pointing to the third commandment. Here the gentleman was so struck, that he immediately left off swearing. 66 How apposite is a word in season! Distinction between ALSO and LIKEWISE, A Quaker, in one of our courts of justice, being borne upon by the opposite counsel harder than he liked, em 259 The Moralizer.No. 6. braced an opportunity to retaliate. THE MORALIZER.-NO. 6. Saturday, November 4th, 1820. At pulchrum est digito monstrari, et dicitur hic est.-Pers. 260 solitude; whether gazing at the competition of the great, or sighing in the cell of the contrite; little sagacity will be needed, in order to discover the hope of excellence in every station, and to detect it under every disguise.-The merchant prides himself on the comparative superiority of his wares; and the husbandman on the early maturity of his fruits. The critic values himself on his display of penetration, in the exposure of a blemish; and the philosopher, on his profundity of investigation, in the defence of a system. That those, however, who possess fewest attainments, evince most presumption, is a position, in the establishment of which, we must not allow geneThemistocles, the Athenian general, ral consent to supply the deficiency of at the close of a war, the success of certain evidence. It is not indeed surwhich had been principally secured by prising, that this opinion should be so the propriety of his counsels and the commonly received, and so industridecision of his conduct, entered a pub-ously propagated; since its adoption lic assembly; where he was received with such a burst of applause, and distinguished by such marks of respect, as to extort the confession, that he regarded his feelings, at that moment, a full compensation for all his exertions, his oppositions, and his labours. Nor is it less generally understood, that a celebrated writer of the last century, whose productions have eminently promoted the interests of virtue, and whose name is securely enrolled in the lists of immortality, expressed his satisfaction, at having been selected as the object of popular attention, and plebeian admiration. may appear an object of interest to no inconsiderable part of our community. Real worth, it will be admitted, may naturally regard with disgust, the unmerited preference paid to obsequiousness of manners; and on this principle, there exists no difficulty in accounting for that supercilious contempt, with which the advocates of learning and virtue have almost invariably surveyed those, whose sole recommendations have been rather splendid than useful, and showy than substantial. The immoderate indulgence of any affection, though in itself laudable, becomes pernicious; and that food, which if taken in due quantity might have contributed to the preservation of life, is thus converted into deadly poison. Yet this tribute of respect, however merited, and however awarded, influences multitudes, whose pretensions to celebrity are more unassuming, and whose desires for distinction are less It was the incitement of popular aduardent. The love of fame is a passion lation, in conjunction with passions whose agency is as uniformly admitted, no less vigorous, which induced the as its effects are universally experienc- conqueror of Asia to act as a lawless ed; and whose direction must be deter- incendiary, in the performance of an mined by the several situations of those, exploit, which was succeeded in the who are the subjects of its operations. mind of the monarch by the upbraidings But neither is its essential existence of conscious guilt, and the bitterness destroyed by a limitation of its sphere of ineffectual penitence; and it has of exertion; nor its native force dimi- been the misfortune of multitudes, to nished by a paucity of incentives to mistake the voice of the vulgar for the action. A principle so forcible, will instructions of reason, and repose a no more disdain the solitary savage, firmer reliance on the interested decithan it will dread the civilized citizen; sions of others, than on the more certain and will be equally eager to exhibit dictates of self-conviction. But the the efficacy of its operations, in the conduct of some characters, whose, rustic group, as in the regal hall.— abilities have never been submitted to Whether dancing in the mazes of diver-public notice and admiration, furnishes sion, or diving into the recesses of sufficient evidence, that the principle 261 Monthly Observations. -to which we refer, is too strong to require any nourishment, and too volatile to need any inflation. Crowns and sceptres, columns and arches, garlands and inscriptions, have been objects of value, only as they have been tokens of distinction; nor would Britain herself have to boast the number and virtue of her defenders, were there no notions of honour associated with a suit of regimentals, no ideas of elevation attached to the profession of arms. Happy indeed is it, when this thirst for glory receives such a direction, as to combine public advantage with private gratification; as by paying the price of utility, to insure the rewards of merit. 262 formed! Adored be the hand, which He who hath created thee, O man, hath MONTHLY OBSERVATIONS. It must be acknowledged, that there have been, in many cases, insuperable oppositions in the path of those, whose hopes of distinction have been founded on the rational resolution to deserve it; and after employing the most ardent efforts, forming the most daring schemes, and indulging the most animated expectations, can the disappointed candidate for public approbation, see, with unconcern, the laurel encircling the head of a stranger? or hear, without emotion, the plaudits bestowed on the productions of a competitor? If exclusively influenced by a love of fame, will he not, after the first fruitless attempt to be ranked amongst the champions of truth, engage as eagerly in opposing her interests, and checking her conquests? or will he feel any hesitation, like a second Erostratus, in committing the most daring outrage on the temple of the divinity, for the purpose of perpetuating his memory, and immortalizing A LITTLE after the middle of this month his name. Kingdoms and empires, the sun passes the boundary line of with their lofty appendages, constitute the two hemispheres, and thereby the heights of modern ambition. causes that great variation in the state But the heroes and literati of anti- of the weather, for which March is proquity, were possessed of opportunities verbial. Frost and snow, wind and of canvassing for their election to a rain, are frequently found to alternate pinnacle of grandeur, too sublime for with each other; but a continued dry the conceptions and hopes of subse- state of the atmosphere, with the wind quent ages. What envious fate pre- at east, is particularly desired by the sided over the day when these splen- farmer, for the purpose of drying up did meteors were suddenly sunk into the moisture of winter, and rendering the sullen shade of darkness? What the land fit for cultivation; hence pen, so inimical to literary labours, it is said that a bushel of March dust and heroic achievements, dashed from is worth a king's ransom. the page of the Roman moralist, With a Catalogue of all really British MARCH. The state of the weather in this month is peculiarly important, as it affords a mode of estimating the probable dryness or moisture of the following summer. Stormy weather at the equinox 263 ment. Monthly Observations. 264 most commonly ushers in a favourable | deep hole or crevice, it hangs sussummer; but when the weather is fine pended by its hind feet, enveloped in about that time, it usually happens that the membrane which forms its wings; the ensuing summer is wet and windy. sensation is presently restored, and About the beginning of the month,vege- the little creature ventures out in tation having advanced considerably, search of insects, which are its usual gives a promise of soon clothing the food. The time which it selects for hedges and groves with verdure; but this purpose is well known to be the it frequently occurs, that a sudden re- twilight of the morning and evening; turn of frost not only checks the bud, when with noiseless flutter it wheels but destroys the young shoots, and its course after flies and moths. But considerably injures the trees. Hence occcasionally it awakes at an unseait happens, that in this month, spring sonable time, and, pressed by hunger, does not make that progress which ventures out in broad daylight, to its was anticipated at its commence- certain destruction; for it is pursued by all the boys of the neighbourhood, Five kinds of Bats are known in England: the Common Bat, (Vespertilio Murinas,) with a tail, ears less than the head, and having no inner valves; Long-eared Bat, (V. Auritus,) with a tail, ears long, and with inner valves; Great Bat, (V. Noctula,) with a tail, ears oval, with small inner valves; Whisked Bat,(V.Barbastellus,) with a tail, whisked, large ears, with inner valves; and Horse-shoe Bat, (V. Ferrum Equinum,) without inner valves to the ears, the nose having a curious resemblance to a horse-shoe. The difference which exists in the habits of these species is not well known; but all have the common properties of falling into a state of torpidity in winter, of living on insect food, and seeking their prey in the air in the twilight. It is observed of all creatures that seek their prey on the wing by night, that their motion, unlike that of the inhabitants of day, is without noise; which, whilst it answers a great purpose of nature in enabling them to surprise the object of pursuit, contributes also to the repose of those which sleep at that period, by preserving the calm of night. At this time the birds which make this country their winter residence depart northward; these are the Fieldfare, Redwing, Woodcock, Snipe, and some others: but many Snipes remain and breed in our moors; and now and then a Woodcock is found to continue with us through the summer, probably from having been wounded, and render'd incapable of distant flight. Doctor Borlase, we believe, mentions the only instance wherein this bird has been known to breed in England. Birds also, that migrated from one part of this country to another in autumn, now return to their former haunts. In most parts of England the yellow Wagtail changes its quarters at the approach of winter, and returns in spring; and the white Wagtail does the same in the north of England: but many birds that migrate from some districts, in others remain through the year. The Wheatear, (Motacilla Oenanthe,) returns from the south of France; and frequents downs and stony places near the sea. It appears wonderful that a bird which seems usually to accustom itself only to short flights, should be able to cross the sea in places where it is at least a hundred miles wide: but we have ocular demonstration of the fact: many of them in their passage alight on fishing-boats, being unable to proceed further; and many undoubtedly perish. The formation of a nest, and the care of their progeny, occupy the attention of the feathered tribe. Straw, moss, feathers, wool from the sheep, and hair from larger animals, are laid under contribution, to form a dwelling; and the parent bird plucks its own feathers to make it warm. The increased temperature of the air reaches the Bat, where, in some The Mackarel, and its congener the Scad, emerge from the deep water of the Atlantic, and seek the land. The French fishermen first take their station off Cape Clear, about the middle of this month; the first have been brought to Plymouth so early as the 15th, but in general British fishermen do not put to sea until about the beginning of April. The Scad has much the same habits as the Mackarel; except that they do not congregate into such large shoals; they keep near the surface, and take a bait freely. Smelts leave the sea, to pay their annual visit to fresh water; but they are 265 Reply to a Query on Study and Learning. careful not to venture while winter yet retains its power. 266 Reply to a Query on Study and MR. EDITOR, ber 17, col.510, have been favoured with one. But I cannot say I am quite satisfied, it not being a complete reply. Therefore I submit to you the follow Insects are much increased in number, and the earlier species of Butterfiies are seen assuming their aerial ram- SIR,—I have anxiously waited for a rebles. These creatures are generally con- ply to the queries on Study and Learnsidered as affording a very striking il-ing, inserted in col. 216; and in Numlustration of the change which will take place in man at the resurrection of the body, and the commencement of the angelic state. At first, proceeding from the egg, it takes the form of a pooring, which I conceive may claim the creeping helpless worm, extending its attention of the Enquirer, as a method views over an inch of space, and liable of study that I know may be adopted to be destroyed by every enemy that with advantage. Its insertion will approaches; it then passes into a state oblige your's respectfully, in which even this gross life appears to A. B. D. be extinct; but, like a man in a coffin, to which even in shape it bears a resemblance, it waits for the coming of bright skies and warmer days. Casting then aside the bonds in which it was held, it rises buoyant on the air, frolics at pleasure where it lists, and lives on the most delicious food that nature affords. Bees now visit flowers for the sake of their nectareous sweets; they are seen flying from plant to plant, emblems of industrious economy, and foretell to us how far spring is advanced; and being very sensible of the changes in the air, and particularly afraid of wet, their appearance in a morning may lead us to judge that it is probable a fine day will follow. It is the misfortune of man, rather to admire the conduct of this industrious insect, than to imitate its example. Come into flower: Single-headed Cotton Grass, Eriophorum vaginatum; Smallest Bent Grass, Agrostis minima; Sweet Violet, Viola odorata; Daffodil, Narcissus pseudo-narcissus; Two-leavéd Squill, Scilla bifolia; Hairy Rush, Juncus pilosus; Mezereon, Daphne mezereum; Spurge Laurel, D. laureola; Little Mouse-ear Chickweed, Cerastium semidecandrum; Wood Spurge, Euphorbia amygdaloides; Red S. E. Characias; Sloe, Prunus spinosa; Barren Strawberry, Fragaria sterilis; Common Whitlow Grass, Draba verna; Yellow Alpine, W. G. D. aizoides; Mountain Pepperwort, Lepidium petræum; Common Shepherd's Purse, Thlaspi Bursa pastoris; Hairy Ladies' Smock, Cardamine hirsuta; Blue Fleabane, Erigeron acre; Coltsfoot, Tussilago farfara; Common Alder, Betula alnus; Butcher's broom, Ruscus aculeatus; Different Poplars, Populus; Yew Tree, Taxus baceata. No. 25.-VOL. III. I perfectly agree with your correspondent, that E. should make divinity but a secondary study the first year, or year and a half; yet some attention must be paid to it, for the purpose of forming a good style, and furnishing himself with a variety of matter. I certainly would recommend E. to enter on the study of the languages, for I am sure an acquaintance with them will be well worth the time they will occupy. One great advantage is, by constantly turning over the pages of his lexicon, and searching continually for a great variety of words to express the same meaning, he will increase his vocabulary, and by that means will be able to surmount the difficulty young preachers often labour under, of not commanding proper and suitable words to express their ideas. It is also very important that he should be able to read the scripturės in their original language, to get the meaning of the text. Let me here observe, the studies which should engage the supreme attention of E. during his twoyears, are, the languages, logic, and mathematics. Others, as time will allow, may be indulged in a little. He should by all means begin with the Latin language, and with the Eton Grammar. He may, without the assistance of any able master, soon learn to decline its nouns, and conjugate its verbs; and at the same time read the other parts without labouring to get them by heart. When he has attained a tolerable facility in this, he should enter on the As in presenti and syntax; which, with labour, he may soon acquire: it is not necessary he should learn the Latin of syntax by heart, only the rules in English. S |