tive in its precepts, and sometimes minute in its details. Mrs. Dods takes us to the field to survey the cattle, to the poultry-yard to view its family, and then conducts us to the market, and describes from its appearance the quality of the meat we should buy. She then gives directions about dressing various articles of food, lays out the table before us, points out where every thing should be placed, teaches the carver to perform his duty, informs her pupils how the cold meat may be preserved, and brought gracefully again to table, as circumstances may require. Cookery, however, is one of the most dangerous grounds on which hungry criticism can tread. In surveying the culinary catalogue, it is ready to exclaim, “How many things are here which I do not want, and how many are enumerated which I cannot have!" Under these circumstances, as impartiality may be expected in a decision where interest can have no influence, our recommendation of this work may be the more valuable. We shall therefore conclude by observing, that while the epicure will peruse some of its pages with a smile, multitudes, who aim at nothing but decent utility, will read other parts with real advantage. REVIEW.-A History of Methodism in the town and neighbourhood of Great Yarmouth, &c. By A. Watmough. 12mo. pp. 233. London. Kershaw. 1826. As a rill, which may hereafter flow into some public river, the work before us is valuable, and exhibits a mode of conduct worthy of imitation by preachers who are stationed in other parts of the kingdom. By such local researches, many interesting facts may be preserved from oblivion, and much information may be gleaned from living witnesses, whom death will soon forbid to speak. These in future years will rise in importance and value, and form the basis of historical narrative, with a certainty which can no otherwise be procured. It is to circumstances like these that this book will be chiefly indebted for its ultimate worth. As a local narrative, it appears to have been executed with fidelity, and as such it will be perused with interest, in the narrow circle to which its contents are applicable. REVIEW.-Advice to Cottagers, shewing the Means by which they may become Rich, Honourable, Useful, and Happy. By J. Thornton. 12mo. pp. 118. London. Baynes & Son. THE design of this little book is to direct the cottager to seek riches, honour, usefulness, and happiness, not in wealth and external splendour, but in virtue, integrity, sobriety, industry, economy; in discharging his duty to his neighbour and his God. Many he should pursue objects which Proconclusive reasons are assigned why vidence has placed within his reach, toms which will elude his grasp, and and not waste his time in hunting phanimbitter his days with the pangs of disappointment. The substance of what the author has advanced is contained in the following passage : "It is not the painting, gilding, or carving that makes a good ship, but her being a good is the edge and temper of the blade that makes sailer, tight and strong to endure the seas. It a good sword, not the richness of the scabbard. In like manner, it is not money or wealth that makes a man considerable, but his virtue." THIS work is extremely local in its import and application, being confined not merely to a history of the town, but to that of a sect which many will think too insignificant to merit notice. The materials, therefore, on which the author had to work, were not only scanty, but so destitute of magnitude, that beyond the confines of the religious community to which it refers, the edifice he has erected will scarcely become visible. The body, however, of which the society P. 3. in Great Yarmouth forms a part, taken in the aggregate, instead of being contemptible, are daily increasing in number and rising in respectability. Already their history is an interesting subject, and it will become more so as the means of furnishing it are concealed by the departure of time. To a Sunday School library this book will be a valuable acquisition. It is admirably adapted for a rewardbook, and if applied to this purpose, it will probably find its way into many cottages, and become useful to the parents of the children to whom it has been given. PUBLIC MEETINGS IN THE METROPOLIS. which it would be difficult to describe. But the calamity was regarded as a gloomy dispensation of divine Providence, to which all were ready to bow with submission, without betraying any symptoms of a wish to abandon the cause in which they so nobly fell. The conduct of the inhabitants of Barbadoes, in persecuting the missionary and demolishing the chapel, awakened very different emotions. To the religious world, May is the most interesting month that occurs throughout the year; although the anniversaries and other public meetings that take place in London and its vicinity are not exclusively confined to this narrow portion of time. Being too numerous to be comprehended within the limits of its days, they begin in April and extend to June; and this year, so far as the season has elapsed, they have been most respectably attended, while the various institutions which they commemo-wrought among their uncultivated inrate have, in general, been most liberally supported. These benevolent institutions, in number amounting to sixty-nine, of which the names have been published, with the addition of many others of more diminutive interest, it will be impossible for us to follow in regular detail, or even to give their various characters; but it is with much pleasure we can trace from their celestial source those streams of philanthropy pouring their sacred waters throughout the moral world. Through the unhappy debate which has taken place respecting the circulation of the Apocrypha with the canonical books of the Old Testament, the British and Foreign Bible Society has experienced a considerable deficiency in its funds; but in nearly every other instance, the resources have remained undiminished, and in several cases the contributions have exceeded those of all former years. The Wesleyan Missionaries, though more numerous than those immediately connected with any other Christian community, have considerably extended their labours in all the quarters of the globe. Their funds have been ample, and no indications appear that they are likely to sustain any reverse, either from the pressure of the times, a diminution of zeal, or a languor in religious feeling. During the past year, the pecuniary resources of the society have received an increase of £7000. The total receipts amounted to about £46,666. disastrous intelligence of five missionaries and their families being lost in the West Indies, of which an account may be found in col. 492 of our preceding number, awakened sensations The The information communicated at the anniversary of the London Missionary Society, from the South Sea Islands, was particularly gratifying. The change that has of late been habitants, exhibits a phenomenon in the history of our species, that stands unparalleled in the page of human events. With them the period seems to have arrived, when" a nation shall be born in a day." In many islands the natives have cast their idols to the moles and to the bats; Christianity is triumphant; and some among them are not strangers to its saving power on their hearts. In other sections of the globe the cause of Christianity is equally prosperous. God has owned and blessed the labours of the missionaries, having added many pious members to their churches, and extended their borders both abroad and at home. On the subject of education, the Report of the Sunday School Union gave a satisfactory account. Its statements were clear and comprehensive, imparting information from numerous and distant portions of the world, and evincing the advantages of uniting religious instruction with the elementary principles of learning. To the truth of these declarations, so far as they applied to the South Sea islanders, two missionaries present, who had lately returned from these distant stations, bore the most decided testimony, illustrating their remarks with many pleasing and appropriate anecdotes. From British America and the United States the accounts were equally satisfactory. India was not forgotten; the Mediterranean furnished its contribution; and from the continent of Europe several gratifying communications were received. At this anniversary between 1100 and 1200 took breakfast at the City of London tavern. The Church Missionary Society has not been behind in its usefulness, in various parts of the world; and incorporating the rich and powerful among its friends, there can be little danger of its languishing for the want of pecuniary support. The Moravian Missionary Society, still persevering and unostentatious, held its public meeting on the third of May. During the past year, this institution has had to encounter many disasters, and to struggle with some pecuniary embarrassments, but the blessing of God has accompanied the labours of its missionaries, and their efforts know nothing of relaxation. continuing this society."-3. "That all lawful exertions be made, according to the dictates of prudence, to procure a repeal of the Test and Corporation acts."-4. "That an application made to parliament, for some authorized registration of births and baptisms, is sanctioned by the present meeting."-5. "That no prudent exertion shall be omitted to procure the termination of slavery, and to prevent the clergy in many appendages of the empire from the assumption and exercise of illegal power."-6. “That at the ensuing election care be taken by every friend of the society, to vote only for such candidates as will promote its designs.-7. "That the com At the aniversary of the African Institution, the facts connected with slavery that were brought to light, demon-mittee for the ensuing year consist of strated the necessity of abolishing for twenty-six gentlemen, whose names ever that disgrace to human nature. were mentioned."-8. "That Robert The voice of humanity, of justice, of Steven Esq. be continued as treathe nation, and of God, is lifted up surer.”—9. “That Thomas Pellatt against it, and the blood of murdered and John Wilks Esqs. be continued Africans cries out of the ground for ven- as secretaries."-The 10th resolution geance. Its death-warrant is issued, conveys an expression of gratitude to and during the ensuing parliament lord Dacre, who presided on a former we hope to see it signed, and to re- occasion; and the 11th to the Marquis cord its execution. of Lansdowne, then in the chair. The Marquis of Lansdowne took the chair at the anniversary of the "Protestant Society for the Protection of Religious Liberty. At this meeting no particularly flagrant acts of oppression were mentioned. Enough, however, was stated to shew, that the spirit of intolerance is not extinct; and whatever may be said in favour of our enlightened times, it was but too apparent, that if the restraints of law were relaxed, local tyranny would soon assume a frightful form; and, if practicable, rekindle the fires of Smithfield, without waiting the result of Catholic emancipation. At this meeting, which was much_crowded, the speech of John Wilks, Esq. engrossed upwards of three hours, but it was so enlivened by anecdote and incident, and so illuminated with bursts of eloquence, and replete with useful information, that none but the speaker had cause of complaint. On this occasion several resolutions were passed, of which the following is the substance. 1. "That it is the right and duty of every man to worship God according to his conscience, which no power either civil or ecclesiastical can justly violate."-2. "That the violation of these rights in many ways, demonstrates he necessity of Although at this meeting no collection was made, we learn that donations will be thankfully received, by the treasurer, Upper Thames-street, by Thomas Pellatt Esq. Ironmonger Hall, and by John Wilks Esq. Finsbury place, to the latter of whom all applications should be addressed. From each congregation in England, wishing to derive benefit from this society, an annual contribution of £2. is expected, and from each in Wales £1. The committee meetings are held at Batson's Coffee-house, Cornhill, on the last Monday in every month, at half past six in the evening, where country ministers and their friends will always be received with plea sure. The anniversary of the British and Foreign School Society was rendered particularly interesting, by the details that were given of its almost universal diffusion, and of the happy effects which had resulted from this noble institution. In every quarter of the world the system has been established, and experience has demonstrated, that its provisions are adapted for the purposes of instruction to society in all its stages of civilization. Under the influence of this mighty agent, when brought into full operation, we may expect to behold a new era in the history of man. On surveying in the aggregate these benevolent institutions, which our limits forbid us any farther to particularize, we cannot but advert to the various blessings we derive from Christianity. Infidelity pronounces it a delusion. But what has infidelity to substitute in its stead? What has this system of negatives done to benefit mankind? Its utmost aim is to unhinge the public mind, and turn it loose, without restraint, among the vices that disgrace the moral world. It boasts of philanthropy, but it has never yet been distinguished by one public act of benevolence. It has subdued no passion, has curbed no appetite, and adopted no method to render vice unamiable. It has established no charity, has given no impulse to virtue, nor rendered the bonds of friendship more indissoluble. For these blessings, and for all that can give dignity and comfort to existence, render life desirable, disarm death of terror, and make eternity glorious, we must look to Christianity; and the scenes we have been called to witness in these anniversaries, tell us, that we have not followed a cunningly devised fable. CURIOUS ACCOUNT OF THE BEATIFICA TION OF SAINT AT ROME. (From Dr. Moore's View of Society and Manners in Italy.) I HAVE been witness to the beatification of a saint; he was of the order of St. Francis, and a great many brethren of that order were present, and in very high spirits on that occasion. There are a greater number of ecclesiastics beatified and canonized than of any other order of men. In the first place, because, no doubt, they deserve it better; and also because they are more solicitous to have saints taken from among men of their own profession and particular order, than people in other situations in life are. Every monk imagines it reflects personal honour on himself, when one of his order is canonized. Soldiers, lawyers, and physicians would probably be happy to see some of their brethren distinguished in like manner; that they have not had this gratification of late years may be imputed to the difficulty of finding suitable characters among them. Ancient history, indeed, makes mention of some commanders of armies who were very great saints; but I have heard of no physician who acquired that title since the days of St. Luke, or of a single lawyer, of any age or country. A picture of the present expectant, a great deal larger than life, had been hung up on the front of St. Peter's Church, several days before the beatification took place. This ceremony was also announced by printed papers, distributed by the happy brethren of St. Francis. On the day of solemnity, his holiness, a considerable number of cardinals, many other ecclesiastics, all the Capuchin friars in Rome, and a great concourse of spectators, attended. The ceremony was performed in St. Peter's Church. An ecclesiastic of my ac quaintance procured us a very convenient place for seeing the whole. The ceremony of beatification is a previous step to that of canonization. The saint, after he is beatified, is entitled to more distinction in heaven than before; but he has not the power of freeing souls from purgatory till he has been canonized; and therefore is not addressed in prayer till he has obtained the second honour. On the present occasion a long discourse was pronounced by a Franciscan friar, setting forth the holy life which this expectant had led upon earth, his devotions, his voluntary penances, and his charitable actions; and a particular enumeration was made of certain miracles he had performed when alive, and others which had been performed after his death by his bones. The most remarkable miracle, by himself in person, was, his replenishing a lady's cupboard with bread, after her housekeeper, at the saint's instigation, had given all the bread of the family to the poor. This business is carried on in the manner of a lawsuit. The devil is supposed to have an interest in preventing men from being made saints. That all justice may be done, and that Satan may have his due, an advocate is employed to plead against the pretensions of the saint expectant, and the person thus employed is denominated by the people the devil's advocate. He calls in question the miracles said to have been wrought by the saint and his bones, and raises as many objections to the proofs brought of the purity of his life and conversation as he can. It is the business of the advocate on the other side to obviate and refute these cavils. The controversy was carried on in Latin. It drew out to a great length, and was by no means amusing. Your friend, Mr. R-y, who sat near me, losing patience, from the length of the ceremony, and some twitches of the gout, which he felt at that moment, whispered me, "I wish, from my heart, the devil's advocate were with his client, and this everlasting saint fairly in heaven, that we might get away. The whole party, of which I made one, were seized with frequent and long-continued yawnings, which I imagine was observed by some of the cardinals who sat opposite to us. They caught the infection, and although they endeavoured to conceal their gaping under their purple robes, yet it seemed to spread and communicate itself gradually over the whole assembly, the Franciscan friars excepted; they were too deeply interested in the issue of the dispute, to think it tedious. As often as the devil's advocate stated an objection, evident signs of impatience, contempt, surprise, indignation, and resentment appeared in the countenances of the venerable brotherhood, according to their different character and tempers. One shook his head, and whispered his neighbour; another raised his chin, and pushed up his under-lip with a disdainful smile; a third started, opened his eyelids as wide as he could, and held up both his hands with his fingers extended; a fourth raised his thumb to his mouth, bit the nail with a grin, and jerked the thumb from his teeth towards the adversary; a fifth stared, in a most expressive manner, at the pope, and then fixed bis eyes, frowning, on the advocate. All were in agitation till the saint's counsel began to speak, when a profound silence took place, and, the moment he had made his answer, their countenances brightened, a smile of satisfaction spread around, and they nodded and shook their beards at each other with mutual congratulations. In the mean time, the cardinals, and other auditors, who were not asleep, continued yawning; for my own part, I was kept awake only by the inter lude of grimaces, played off by the Capuchins between the arguments. Exclusive of these, the making a saint of a Capuchin is the dullest business I ever was witness to. I hope the man himself enjoys much felicity since the ceremony, in which case no good-natured person will grudge the tedium and fatigue which he suffered on the occasion. ought to have told you, that the advocate's reasoning was all in vain; the devil lost his cause, without the possibility of appeal. The saint's claim being confirmed, he was admitted into all the privileges of beatification; the convent defraying the expense of the process. Manufacturing Districts.-The distresses in the manufacting districts, though almost unexampled, have been met with a liberality that is almost unprecedented. The causes of this gating. It is to be lamented, that, while in calamity we have no means of fully investisome places they have led to excesses, several lives have fallen a sacrifice to the severe measures adopted for the defence of property. Smarting under the pangs of hunger, and urged it, their acts of depredation may admit some to seek relief without knowing where to find palliation, but nothing can justify their outrages. Happily for them, their wild irregularities have not contracted the hand of benetheir condition has excited compassion, and volence. While their conduct has been blamed, from the throne to the cottage they have experienced the bounty of their fellow citizens. It is among the misfortunes of too many of the labouring classes, that in seasons of prosperity they make no provision for a scarcity of employment, and the fluctuations of trade. Should the present distresses teach them lessons of temperance and moderation, under a return of auspicious circumstances, by levying a tax on past indiscretion, they will more than counteract the disasters they have of late been doom ed to suffer. sold in Persia, bearing on their skin, with Vegetable Impressions.-Apples are commonly singular distinctness, the impression of a leaf. To produce this, a leaf of some flower or shrub is fastened to the surface of the fruit while posed to the sun become red, while those growing. As the apples ripen, the parts excovered with the leaf retain their form, and appear of a pale green or yellow colour... |