TRANSLATION OF "LE CIEL." BY CHEVALIER LE CHATELAIN. All hail! all hail! resplendent vault, so wondrously display'd, All raise, Oh! glorious firmament, their suppliant glance to thee! Vast sea of air, with countless gems, I love on thee to gaze! your softened rays; Be it far-spreading arise thy radiance to conceal, Or flitting by on fleecy wings, half hide and half reveal; Thou shinest with a million stars in all their brightness seen; But above all, in that dread hour of mystery and affright, And man looks up with dazzled light, and reads the name of God! Reveal ye lofty regions, your mysteries profound; Doubtless a mighty circle your vast abyss hath bound: The motion of these heavenly orbs, their path from days of old; Nay, tell us, since the birth of Time, when all burst forth in song, Oh! if it be these mysteries are veiled in life's brief span, Regent Street, Cambridge, April 18, 1844. ANNA H. P. 187 DUGDALE ON THE GREAT REBELLION. NO. III. THE DESECRATION OF THE HOUSES OF GOD AND THE PERSECUTION OF HIS SERVANTS. BUT to these pure Reformers, barns and stables are of equal esteem with churches and holy oratories; and a ditch or a dunghill thought as fit for burial, as any sepulchre, or other place consecrated for that purpose; for testimony whereof, take Sir William Waller's lieutenant-general's word; who, having received a message from Sir John Boys, govenor of Dunnington Castle for his Majesty; whereby it was signified to him, that the number of the rebels' bodies, which were slain in the assault of that Castle, were so many, that he could not give them Christian burial; and therefore out of charitable respect, tendered liberty to take them of, and do it elsewhere; returned answer,-July 31, in these words" that he conceived no holiness to be in any place, or burial; and that all earth was fit for that use." Against which heathenish principle I shall tell you what their own Mr. William Prynne hath said, in his book, entitled, "The Antipathy of English Lordly-prelacy," p. 248, 249. Wherein, complaining of Pandulphus, Bishop of Norwich, who persuaded King John, as he saith, to submit himself to Stephen Langton, Archbishop of Canterbury, and others that had interdicted the realm, he crieth in these very words: "let me inform you, that during the time of this Interdict, all ecclesiastical sacraments ceased in England, except confession and the viaticum, extream necessity, and the baptism of infants; so as the bodies of dead men, were carried out of towns and villages, and buried like dogs in highways and ditches, without prayers, and the ministry of priests. Whereby it is plain, in Mr Pryn's opinion, that burial without prayers, and the ministry of priests, is like the burial of dogs. And therefore what burial this of Sir William Waller's lieutenant general, or that which the new directory, lately established, January 3, by ordinance of parliament as they call it, directeth, is like, wherat no ceremony shall be used, or any prayers, or reading, I leave to any indifferent judgement. "But to return to our precious reformers, who were so hardned by the daily exercise of new outrages; that the members at Westminster at length, for their credit, thought fit to have a total devastation of whatsoever was comely in the church, or decent for the service of God: and this to be done by an ordinance for abolishing of superstition, for that was the title of it, viz., 'that all representation, or sculptures in any cathedral, collegiate, or Parish Church, or chappel, or any other place within this kingdom, shall be defaced, and utterly demolished: and that all organs; the frames or cases wherein they stand in all churches and chapples, shall be utterly defaced. And that the chancel-ground of every church or chapel, raised for any communion table to stand on, shall be levelled with the ground. And that no surplisses, hoods, or other superstitious vestments, shall be any more used within the realm," &c. In accomplishment of which ordinance, Sir Robert Harley, who sate in the chair of their Committee for Reformation, pulled down-June, 1644—that curious and rich screen of copper gilt, belonging to that incomparable monument of King Henry the Seventh, at Westminster, and sold it to brasiers and metal men: entered the king's chapel at Whitehall, dashed in pieces the windows. broke down the communion table, pulled up the rails, &c. And to prevent the future cost on God's house-about that time, six thousand pounds which had been collected for the rebuilding of St. Andrew's church in Holborn, was seized on by these great Reformers: and four hundred pounds taken out of the hospital at Guilford in Surrey, which was the whole stock of their treasure, and employed to promote the rebellion. After all which to ingratiate themselves with their brethren the Scots, they entered into a most strict combination, which they called the National League and Covenant, devised, and sent from Edinborough—though absolutely repugnant to their own declarations and votes-to extirpate and overthrow the religion and discipline by law established in the Church of England; which was done-Sept. 23, 1643-with the greatest formality and outward show of sanctity, that could be devised, by the members at Westminster, in the church of St. Margaret at Westminster; that is to say, with groaning, sighing, singing of Psalms, &c. Mr. White of Dorchester, Mr. Nye, Alexander Henderson, and others of that seditious tribe, then exercising their gifts, in extemporary prayers and preaching. Ard, that there might be nothing wanting, to make odious the orthodox clergy of the realm, and to enrage the people against them-as heretofore the enemies of the gospel did those holy martyrs, whom they clothed in the skins of wild-beasts, to animate dogs to worry them—they caused a most libellous pamphlet*, against divers divines, which endeavoured to oppose their wicked practises to be printed and published, by special order, Nov. 17, 1643, entitled the "First Century of Scandalous Malignant Priests," having in order thereto, shortly after the beginning of that parliament, founded a committee to enquire after scandalous ministers: under which title few of the reverend and orthodox clergy did escape. Which committee made so speedy a progress in their work, that in short time-as their chairman Mr. Corbet reported-May 17, 1641-they had got in nine hundred petitions against such ministers. I do here omit to make mention of the particular imprisoments, plunderings, and other oppressions exercised by them towards most of our greatest and most. able divines, it being so notorious to the world: by reason whereof they being constrained to fly from place to place to save themselves, the service of God, in most churches of this kingdom was totally neglected. And shall now descend to a short view of the doctrine and practice of their own levites, notorious schismaticks, and of so many different sects almost as congregations; but patronized by these men, to advance their cause; as was acknowledged by the lords, Say and Brooke; and justified by the committee of Northampton, Jan. 16, 1643, who stuck not to declare, that if the country would not make better discharge of their duty in the defence of religion, laws, and liberties-for so they termed this unparallelled rebellion-the parliament would call in foreign nations to assist them. In testimony whereof certain troopers of popish Walloons, laying about Putney and Kingston, and entertained in the rebels' service, being asked the reason why they would serve against the king, answered, “that it was all one for point of religion; but only if they served the king, they could not be permitted an open exercise of their devotions, according to the Church of Rome, which the two houses gave them leave to do." But as to this point of assistance from those Walloons, and others of the Romish religion, let us hearken to a witness without exception; viz., Robert Mentel de Salmonet, by birth a Scotchman, of good extraction; and a secular priest of the Church of Rome; who hath in French written a well esteemed history of our late civil wars, and entitled "L'Historie des troubles de la grand Bretagne. Where, in page 165, after he hath given an account of Edge-Hill fight, he saith thus: "That which did the most surprize everybody was. that they found amongst the dead, of those which were slain on the parliament side, several popish priests. For, although in their declarations they called the king's army a popish army, thereby to render it odious to the people, yet they had in their army two companies of Walloons and other Roman Catholicks. Besides, they omitted no endeavours to engage to their party Sir Ar. Aston, Kt., an eminent Roman Catholick commander. True it is, that the king had permitted to serve him in his army some Roman Catholic officers, persons of great abilities, and not factiously * Published by the infamous John White. + Printed at Paris, 1661, inclined, as his Majesty expresseth in that Manifesto, which he published after the battle." So far this French author, whose abstract I shall not further follow, but rather go on in the very words of the declaration itself. Where his Majesty, answering the parliament's urging and passing that false and groundless imputation of his favouring and employing many of that religion in his army, saith thus: "For our affection to that religion, our continual practise, our constant prcfession, and several protestations will satisfy all the world, against which malice and treason itself cannot find the least probable objection. We wish from our heart the zeal and affection of these men to the true Protestant religion were as apparent as ours. For the employing men of that religion in our present service in the army, whosoever considers the hardness and straights, the malice and fury of these men have driven us to; their stopping all passages and ways, that neither men or money might come to us; their declaring all such to be traitors, who shall assist us; their entertaining men of all countries, all religions to serve against, us would not wonder if we had been very well contented to have received the service and assistance of any of our good subjects who had loyalty enough-whatsoever their religion is to bring them to our succour." "All men know the great number of papists which serve in their army, commanders and others; the great industry they have used to corrupt the loyalty and affection of all our subjects of that religion: the private promises and undertakings they have made to them; that if they would assist them against us, all the laws made in their prejudice should be repealed. Yet neither the weakness of our own condition, nor the other arts used against us, could prevail with us to invite those of that religion to come to our succour, or to recal our proclamation which forbad them so to do: and we are confident, though we know of some few, whose eminent abilities in command and conduct, and moderate, and unfactious dispositions, hath moved us, in this great necessity, to employ them in this service; that a far greater number of that religion is in the army of the rebels, than in our own; and we do assure our good subjects, though as we shall always remember the particular services which particular men have or shall, in this exigent of ours perform to us, with that grace and bounty, which becomes a just prince; yet we shall be so far from ever giving countenance or encouragement to that religion, that we shall always use our utmost endeavour to suppress it by the execution of those good and wholesome laws, already in force against 'papists, and concurring in such farther remedies, as the care and wisdom of us, and both houses of parliament shall think most necessary for the advancement of God' service." THE DUEL AND THE CLERGYMAN. THE ensuing narrative is extracted from an American publication, the "Young Lady's Friend," and the writer of it is Mr. Stephens, the editor of "Zion's Herald," which is ample proof of its authenticity. It is a noble example of ministerial faithfulness, and a dreadful exhibition of murderous infatuation, with its heart-rending calamity, and of divine retribution; and may be both seasonable and instructive, at a time when the subject of duelling has excited so deep an interest. The Rev. Mr. M- was a veteran itinerant preacher of the West. He related many incidents of his itinerant life. Among them was the following, which I give in his own words as much as possible :— About four miles from N- is an extensive grove, well known as the *Exact Collection, p. 643, scene of several fatal duels. As I passed it one morning, on my way to my appointment in that town, I perceived a horse and a vehicle among the trees, guarded by a solitary man, who appeared to be the driver. My suspicions were immediately excited, but I rode on. About a mile beyond, I met another carriage, containing four persons besides the driver, and hastening with all speed. My fears were confirmed, and I could scarcely doubt that another scene of blood was about to be enacted in those quiet solitudes. What was my duty in this case? I knew too well the tenacity of those fictitious and absurd sentiments of honour which prevailed in that section of the country, and which give to the duel a character of exalted chivalry, to suppose that my interference could be successful, yet I thought it was my duty to rebuke the sin if I could not prevent it; and in the name of the Lord I would do it. I immediately wheeled about, and returned with the utmost speed to the grove. At The second carriage had arrived, and was fastened to a tree. I rode up, attached my horse near it, and, throwing the driver a piece of silver, requested him to guard him. While treading my way into the forest, my thoughts were intensely agitated to know how to present myself most successfully. The occasion admitted of no delay-I hastened on, and soon emerged into an oval space surrounded on all sides by dense woods. the opposite extremity stood the principals, their boots drawn over their pantaloons, their coats, vests, and hats off, handkerchiefs tied over their heads, and lightly belting their waists. A friend and a surgeon were conversing with each, while the seconds were about midway between them, arranging the dreadful conflict. One of the principals, the challenged, appeared but twenty years of age; his countenance was singularly expressive of sensibility, and also of cool determination. The other had a stout, ruffian-like bearing a countenance easy, but sinister and heartless, and he seemed impatient to wreak his vengeance upon his antagonist. I advanced immediately to the seconds, and declared at once my character and object. "Gentlemen," said I, "excuse my intrusion. I am a minister of the Gospel. I know not the merits of this quarrel, but both my heart and my office require me to bring about a reconciliation between the parties, if possible." 66 Sir," replied one of them, "the utmost has been done to effect it, without success, and this is no place to make further attempts." men. "Under any circumstances, in any place, gentlemen," I replied, "it is appropriate to prevent murder; and such, in the sight of God, is the deed you are aiding. It must not be, gentlemen. In the name of the law which prohibits it in the name of your friends, the principals-in the name of God, who looks down upon you in this solitary place-I beseech you to prevent it at once; at least, wash your own hands from the blood of these Retire from the field, and refuse to assist in their mutual murder." My emphatic remonstrance had a momentary effect. They seemed not indisposed to come to terms, if I could get the concurrence of the principals. I passed immediately to the oldest of them. His countenance became more repulsive as I approached him. It was deeply pitted with the smallpox, and there was upon it the most cold-blooded leer I ever saw on a human face. He had given the challenge. I besought him by every consideration of humanity and morality to recall it. I referred to the youth |