lected from the sweepings of London, under a renegade parson, who amuses his profligate auditors with the abuse that he pours on Christianity, to bring it into contempt, and make them laugh. Their leader has lately been taken into custody for blasphemy, and is now out on bail. Instead of being called the Christian Evidence Society, it should rather be denominated "Pandemonium in the Metropolis." The wretched boasts of the manifesto writer are examined and refuted in the Answer before us, in such a manner as to convince us, that, with all besides the profligate and abandoned, both the society and its manifesto are worthy of nothing but contempt.

7. Maria's Reward, or a Voice from the Dead, (Nisbet, London,) contains many valuable sentiments, wrought up into the narratives and dialogues which fill the book. A little girl is conducted to a burying ground; and in answer to her various inquiries, her conductor relates the history of the silent inhabitant of each grave. lessons inculcated are, that no condition in life can exempt from death, and that it is the duty of all to prepare to meet their God.

The

8. Allan M'Leod the Highland Soldier, by Charlotte Elizabeth, (Westley, London,) is a tale founded on a train of natural incidents. Allan M'Leod had received pious instruction in his youth, but entered into the army as he advanced to maturity, sunk into the profligacy that surrounded him, but through the instrumentality of a pious uncle in the regiment, and a variety of providential occurrences, was brought to a knowledge of himself and of his Saviour. The tale, well carried on, is enlivened by many unexpected incidents, that give an interest to the whole. We learn from the narrative that nothing can give genuine peace but an assurance of the divine favour, and that there is a providence which watches all our steps.

9. A Catechism on the Evidences of the Bible, in easy Rhyme, by W. F. Lloyd, (Nisbet, London,) is a little book chiefly adapted for children. The questions are in prose, but the answers are in verse, that with more ease they may be committed to memory. The questions and answers are alike judicious and appropriate; and some notes are added, which, to children, will convey useful information.

10. An Essay on Terms of Communion, by Catholicus, (Corban, Aberdeen,) espouses the cause of free communion, in opposition to those who advocate what is called strict communion. The arguments advanced are acute and energetic, and the passages of scripture adduced in support of free communion numerous and applicable.

By those who think with the author, they will be deemed conclusive; but on the minds of such as view the subject in a different light, no methods that can be adopted will produce conviction.

11. My Uncle Timothy, an interesting Tale for Young Persons, by Mrs. Sherwood, (Knight and Lacey, London,) delineates in striking colours the unhappy effects of a disputatious spirit, with which uncle Timothy was afflicted. We learn from the numerous incidents to which we are introduced, that by this unamiable disposition, an old gentleman, possessed otherwise of many excellent qualities, contrived on almost every occasion to introduce discord into the social circle, to irritate all with whom he came in contact, by treating with contempt such as dared to oppose him, and by triumphing over those who for the sake of peace listened to his anger in silence. This part of his character is a rock which young and old should strive to shun.

12. Modern Arithmetic, &c. on an entirely New Plan, by William Russell, (Hailes, London,) professes to be "the most simplified system ever published." This is a formidable claim upon our assent, and is perhaps better calculated to provoke animadversion than to make proselytes. We will, however, give Mr. Russel credit for the simplicity of his system, the familiarity of his subjects of illustration, and the readiness with which his conclusions are attained. To private learners and public seminaries his system may be of much use.

13. The Negro Slave, a Song, written by Thomas Maskew, Esq. the Tune composed by David Everard Ford, (Westley, London,) are both mournfully suitable to to the melancholy occasion. The words of this song demand plaintive strains, and these Mr. Ford has happily supplied.

REVIVAL OF THE JEWISH GOVERNMENTAPPOINTMENT OF A JUDGE OF ISRAELFOUNDATION OF A CITY OF REFUGE.

(From an American Paper.) "It was known at the sale of that valuable tract, called Grand Island, in the Niagara river, that it was purchased in part by the friends of Major Noah, of New York, avowedly to offer it as an asylum for his brethren of the Jewish persuasion, who, in other parts of the world, are much oppressed; and it was likewise known, that it was intended to erect upon the island a city called Ararat. We are gratified to perceive, by the documents in this day's extract, that, coupled with that colonization, is a declaration of independence, and the revival

GLEANINGS.

Chancery Etiquette. - Under the Lord Chancellor, there are twelve subordinate judges called "Masters in Chancery." When an account is to be taken before them, the following is the mode of procedure:-The attorneys on the one side and the other ought to appear before the master, either alone or in company with counsel, as may be convenient. First summons; nobody appears.-Second summons; nobody appears-At length, third summons, the parties appear, and the matter is put into train. Care, however, has been taken to allow only half an hour, or an hour, to each set of suitors. The parties are not always punctual; the matter is begun, the clock strikes, and then the subjeet is dismissed. At the following hearing it is necessary to begin again. All this is matter of etiquette. At each summons, the fees to the judges and the counsel are renewed: all the world must live. Extortion, it is said, is to be banished from the dwelling of finance. At some future day, perhaps, it will not be found a fitting guest for the temple of justice-it will be deemed advisable to chase it hence.

Facts relative to Negro Industry.-The returns made to the House of Commons, and ordered to be printed the 9th of May, 1826, state the following facts relative to pauperism, and afford most convincing proofs of the general good conduct and industrious habits of the free blacks and coloured persons in our colonies:-In Barbadoes, there are about 14,500 whites, and 4500 free black and coloured persons. There are 998 paupers, all of whom, with a single exception, are white.-In Honduras, the white population were, in 1824, 150; free blacks and coloured, 1750. The number of the free blacks and coloured relieved is from 6 to 8 only.-Jamaica contains about 20,000 whites, and double that number of free blacks and coloured. The whites relieved are to those of the other class as four to one.-In Nevis, white population 800, other class 1800. White paupers 25, other class 2, being in the proportion of twenty-eight to one.St.Vincent's: "We have never had (says Sir G. Brisbane) any poor rates or other taxes for relief of the poor. The few paupers (always whites) who occasionally resort hither,we generally support from the town funds."-In Dominica, the number

of white paupers to those of the other class is in the proportion of nine to one; in Tortola, of fourteen to one. These facts, officially communicated, are a striking testimony in favour of our free blacks, and it is hoped, will convince the public of the falsity of those reports which are so industriously circulated with the intention of proving that it is unsafe and impolitic to confer the inestimable boon of liberty on our negro bondmen.

Popery.-Translation of a notice, posted up by order of the bishop who superintends the education of the young Duke de Bourdeaux, in the Cathedral of Strasburg, a few days previous to the anniversary of the founder of the Jesuits :

"Forty days' indulgence will be granted to all those, who, lafter having fully confessed and communed, shall visit this Cathedral on the anniversary of the birth of the holy Father, Ignatius Loyola, and shall there pray for the union of Christian princes, the extirpation of heresy,' and the exaltation' of the holy and true religion.

Religious Tract Society for Ireland.-From April 1, 1826, to Jan. 1, 1827, 312,000 tracts were issued, of which 1700 were gratuitously distributed in hospitals, almshouses, &c. The books during the same period were about 54,000, of which 1500 were gratuitously issued. This is an increase of nearly 83,000 tracts and 10,000 books beyond the preceding year. Subscriptions will be thankfully received at 32, Sackville-street, Piccadilly, London.

Haytian Republic.-The Anti-Abolitionists have been of late exulting greatly in a proclamation, circulated by the agent for Jamaica, said to have been issued by the Haytian government, which proved that the system of labour in Hayti was not of voluntary exertion, and that the black republic was greatly decreasing in prosperity. Mr. Henderson, of 38, Cornhill, a merchant of Hayti, has written a letter to the Globe, in which he denounces this document as "a deliberate forgery, got up for a malignant purpose, that 'of degrading in public estimation a whole people." He refers to the public papers of Hayti, in proof of his assertion that the document is a forgery, which, he says, supply" conclusive evidence of the utter falsehood of the alleged proclamation, and of the very re-. markable advance which Hayti has made in wealth, intelligence, civilization, and genuine freedom."

It since appears that this proclamation is an old one of Touissaint's, newly cooked up, with a new head and signature!

Powerful Application of the Hydraulic Press. -A cotton-mill, 30 yards long, by 10 yards wide, situated at Goit-Stock, near Bingley, the property of Mr. J. G. Horsfall, of that place, lias been raised a story, by the application of the Hydraulic Press, without disturbing the roof, or displacing any of the machinery. This operation was performed by placing the pump under the rafters in succession, and working the piston, when the roof was raised about eight inches at a time, and stones of the requisite dimensions were introduced in succession, till a course of stones was placed all round the mill; the pump was then again applied in the same manner as before, and other stones placed, till at length the story was completed, and the additional room gained, without affecting the stability of the edifice. The saving of expense by this mode of elevating a building is considerable, and in the present case is estimated at from 80 to 901. Our correspondent, who is highly respectable, adds, that the weight of the roof and timbers could not be less than eighty tons; that the room gained is ten feet high, and that not a single slate has been broken.

To Clean old Pictures painted in Oil Colours.Clean your picture well with a sponge dipped in warm beer; let it become very dry, and wash it with liquor of the finest gum-dragon, steeped or dissolved in fair water. Never use blue starch, which tarnishes and eats out the colouring, or white of eggs, which casts a thick varnish over pictures, and only mends bad ones by concealing the faults of the colouring.

Discovery.-A skeleton was dug out of a gravel pit at Biggleswade, in Bedfordshire, a few days ago, with a gold chain round the remains of the neck. Various conjectures have been stated with respect to this singular circumstance.

Literary Notices.

Just Published.

THE True Theory of Rent, in opposition to Mr. Ricardo and others. By a Member of the University of Cambridge. Second edition.

The copious Greek Grammar of Dr. Philip Buttman is nearly ready for publication; faithfully translated from the German, by a distinguished

scholar.

The Pulpit. Vol. VII. (with five portraits) is just completed.

A Widow's Tale, and other Poems. By Bernard Barton. 12mo. bds. 5s.

Selections from the Works of Bishop Hopkins. By the Rev. Dr. Wilson, 3s. 6d.

Albert's Elements of useful Knowledge, a new edition, revised and much improved, with plates, neatly half-bound, 4s.

On Idolatry, a Poem, by the Rev. W. Swan, Missionary; with a Preface by the Rev. Greville Ewing, 12mo. boards, 5s.

The Bible Teacher's Manual, by Mrs. Sherwood. Part 5, containing Joshua and Judges, 1s.

Sixteen Sermons, doctrinal, practical, and occasional; with illustrative Notes and Authorities, by the Rev. John Noble Coleman, M. A.

Vol. II. of Scriptural Geology, in answer to an "Essay on the Theory of the Earth," by M. Cuvier, and to Professor Buckland's Theory of the Caves, as delineated in his "Reliquiæ Diluvianæ," &c.The above publication professes, both upon scriptural and physical principles, to have demonstrated that there is not a fossil bone, or a fossil shell, in existence, that has been proved, or can be proved, to be more ancient than the Noahic deluge.

The Parent's Monitor, in three parts, by David Barker, 12mo. boards, 4s. 6d.

Holland-Tide, or Munster Popular Tales. 8vo. boards, 8s. 6d.

Protestant Church Corruption an insurmountable Bar to Catholic Emancipation, by Nathaniel Highmore.

Letters written by S. S. during her late Illness, s. 6d.

Ahab, a Poem, in four Cantos, by S. R. Jackson. Proceedings at the City of York public Meeting for petitioning Parliament against permitting the Immolation of Widows in India.

Fragments, in Verse, chiefly on Religious Subjects, by Ann Butler, 8vo. boards, 4s.

Original Hymns and Moral Poems for Children and young Persons, by Richard Matthews, and E. 12mo. boards, 1s. 6d.

Old English Sayings newly expounded, in Prose and Verse, by Jeffreys Taylor, 8vo. boards. 4s.

The City of Refuge, a Poem, in four Books, by Thomas Quin, 8vo. boards, 4s.

The Grave of Human Philosophers, ancient and modern; or the System of the Bramins unveiled, by R. De Becourt, translated by A. Dalmas, 8vo. boards.

Preparing for the Press.

Memoirs, including Correspondence and other Remains of Mr. John Urquhart, late of the University of St. Andrews, by William Orme.

Mrs. Gilbert, lateAnn Taylor, one of the authors of" Original Poems," "Rhymes for the Nursery," &c. is preparing for publication, in a cheap form, "Original Hymns, adapted to Anniversary and other public Services of Sunday Schools, and Sunday School Unions.

A Course of Lectures on the Evidence of Christianity, delivered at the monthly Meetings of the Congregational Union, by the Rev. W. Orme, Dr. Collyer, Rev. H. F. Burder, Stratten, Walford, Dr. J. Pye Smith, Rev. A. Reed, Curwen, Philip, Dr. Winter, Rev. J. Morrison, and the Rev. Joseph Fletcher, A. M. in one volume 8vo.

The Birth-Day Present, by Mrs. Sherwood. The Elements of the History of Philosophy and Science, by the Rev. T. Morell, 1 vol. 8vo.

Sacred Hours, consisting of Select Pieces in Prose and Verse, dedicated to the Right Hon. Lord Bexley, by Samuel Walter Burgess, in one vol. post 8vo. boards, 5s.

An Appeal to Reason, or Christianity and Deism contrasted, dedicated to the Members of the Christian Evidence Society, by Samuel Walter Burgess, in one volume 12mo.

An Historical Geography of the New Testament, in two parts, by Edward Wells, D. D. Rector of Cotsbach, Leicestershire, a new edition, corrected and improved, by Samuel Walter Burgess, illustrated with Maps, in 1 vol. demy 12mo. bound, 4s.

We understand that the Rev. John Burdsall is preparing for publication a new edition of a scarce and most interesting work, entitled, "The Sinner's Tears, in Prayers and Meditations," by Thomas Fettiplace. Dom. Ret. Cantab. It may be expected very shortly.

A Treatise on the Natural History, Physiology, and Management of the Honey-Bee, by Dr. Bevan, will be published this month."

A Reply to the Accusations of Piracy and Plagiarism exhibited against the author, in the January number of the Christian Remembrancer, in a Review of " Horne and Carpenter's Introductions to the Study of the Holy Scriptures." By William Carpenter.

APRIL.]

MEMOIR OF

WILLIAM GIFFORD, ESQ.

(With a Portrait.)

ONE of the ancients has observed, that there is no spectacle more sublime than that of a good man bravely struggling with affliction. Next to this may be reckoned the triumph of native genius over the obstacles which impede its progress to literary eminence. When such an one succeeds, in spite of the chilling blast of penury and negligence, in the acquisition of knowledge, every step he takes affords new delight; and, in the language of Gray,

"The meanest flowret of the vale,

The simplest note that swells the gale,
The common sun, the air, the skies,
To him are opening paradise."

Of the truth of this we have a happy illus. tration in the following memoir.

The family of Gifford, or rather Giffard, is of very great antiquity and respectability in the county of Devon. There were two branches from the original stock, the Giffards, or Giffords, of Brightleigh, and the Giffards of Awslescombe. From the former descended the subject of this biography, WILLIAM GIFFORD, who was born at Ashburton, in April 1756. His grandfather was a respectable farmer, who lived on his own estate of Halsbury, near the above town. He had only one son, whom he placed in Exeter grammar school, from whence he ran away, and entered on board a man-of-war, the captain of which, however, gave him up to his friends, who sent him back to the same seminary, from which he eloped again, to become the travelling companion of Bampfylde Moore Carew, the noted king of the gypsies. How long Edward Gifford led this strolling life we are not told, but on leaving his companion he became apprentice to a painter and glazier, which business he fterwards carried on as a master, first at South Molton, and next at Ashburton, where he married the daughter of a house-carpenter, with whom he had some property; which, with two small estates of his own, might have enabled him to provide for his family, had he not been both idle and extravagant.

100.-VOL. IX.

[1827.

Having, by his dissipated conduct, involved himself in difficulties, he abandoned his wife, who was then pregnant, and went to Plymouth, where he entered on board the Lion transport, at the commencement of the seven years' war; during the whole of which he was almost constantly at sea, and saw much service, particularly at the siege of the Havannah. While this thoughtless man was abroad, his wife, of course, experienced much trouble, but, by strict economy and industry, she contrived to support herself and child, who, when old enough, was sent to a little school at Ashburton, to learn his letters.

After the peace of 1763, Edward Gifford returned to Ashburton; and as he was entitled to a considerable share of prize money, as well as wages, his family had some reason to hope for better days. In this, however, they were disappointed; for neither time, danger, nor a growing family, had cured Edward of his folly; so that his circumstances soon became as much embarrassed as ever, and three years afterwards he died, leaving his widow burdened with two children, the youngest of whom was only six or eight months old. The poor woman, though she had endured her former trial with fortitude, could not stand this new shock, and in less than a year she followed her husband to the grave. The little property that remained was seized by a rapacious creditor, who had taken advantage of Edward Gifford's want of prudence in his lifetime, and now set up a claim to the remaining effects, on the plea of having lent him and his widow sums of money, - the truth of which, no one, in behalf of the friendless orphans, thought proper to call in question. The man therefore, who was the godfather of William, met with no other opposition to his illegal proceedings, than in the resentment of the populace; and their execrations were so loud and unsparing, that though he sent the infant to the parish workhouse, he was almost compelled to take the elder boy into his own family. There was but one opinion in the whole town, of the injustice and baseness of this wretch; and yet none, except the poor inhabitants, interested themselves for the

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