1816.] Sketches of a Pedestrian in the Isle of Wight. weather-beaten tower, venerable in the rust of antiquity, sat a human figure whose aspect chilled the ardour of our veins. Long, dark, and sallow, the pictare of immovable despair, his gaunt countena ce fo bade the charitable enotions of sympathetic feeling. Over his miserable body a tattered rug was thrown, with a negligence that only half concealed his wasted form. His eyes glared on vacancy, while deep groans issued at intervals from his labouring breast. Alas! my friend, said I, for what are you consigned to this cheerless doom? "For sin," replied the figure, "repent, thou miserable man. Hell vawns to receive you. See, see, the fiends approach! Nothing but faith can save you. Oh! I believe, I believe! Spare me, spare me!" He shricked wildly, and his yells called to the spot our guide who had lingered on the side of the hill. "Alas!" said he," 'tis poor mad Beoson, he's very harinless, but the poor soul wanders in this wretched state for days and weeks together." I was interested in the miserable being's fate, and enquired from the guide his story. He had been, it seems, an industrious tradesman, honest, innocent, and happy, till in a fatal hour he listened to the ravings of a religious fanatic, who painted an all his terrors, unalloyed by his mercy and benignity, the wrath of an offended Deity. The weak head of the poor simple soul was not proof against his blasphemous denunciations, and he fell a desponding prey to gloomy superstition. Such then, said I, is the difference between pure and rational religion, and the ravings of fanaticism or the cant of hypocrisy. While the oue raises the grateful heart in joyous aspiration to the Deity, the other debases man to a state of brutality, freezes the "genial current of the soul," and subverts the end of his existence. The path down the northern side of St. Catherine's Hill winds round a verdant basin deeply indented on its bold brow, above which, on an abrupt elevation a tower or observatory is building by Michael Hoy, esq. The scene is now enlivened by a near approach to Chale, the square, embattled, tower of whose church rises in sober solemnity from the vale pious and solitary priest was laid open to view. The outside of the tower is octangular, the inside square, and the tops pyramidal; in the two first respects bearing resemblance to the famous Roman Pharos at Dower. The Trinity House have also lately erected a light-house on St. Catherine's hill. 307 beneath. Here the craggy and perpendicular cliffs that form the dangerous bay of Chale, stand exposed to the view. This bay some few years since excited unwonted attention. A golden dream of the inhabitants of the adjacent country is still remembered among them. They thought that the possession of a Pactolian sand was added to the other natural advantages of the vicinity. With eager expectations the peasants flocked to the bay, and for some time obtained from its sand no inconsiderable quantities of gold dust. The intoxicated people renewed their unwearied search, when at last their riches appeared in a still more tangible shape-even in the form of dollars! The secret was now discovered, and the sudden appearance of the precious me tals justly attributed to the wreck of a Spanish ship on the coast. The village of Chale is of a scattered character, the houses like most of the island-villages covered with thatch, and many adorned with a thick mantle of ivy. The path, alternately elevated and depressed, passes through a rich expanse of arable district. And now the white cliffs of Freshwater, the intermediate country sprinkled with wood and adorned with verdant elevations, glittering in the rays of the sun, bound the westward prospect. A great charm in this varied coast arises from the perpetual undulation of surface, whose wavy course appears to emulate in variety the ocean that rolls at its feet. In this neighbourhood occurs the only instance of a flat surface, extending over several meadows, that we had met with in our walks. These meadows are completely surrounded by an amphitheatre of hills, which, with a little art, might be rendered a perfect Coliseum, fit for the gymnastic exhibitions of ancient Rome. the ample residences and extensive inclosures appertaining to Yafford and Sumerston farms, we descend from attractive heights commanding delightful views over the sea and country, into the bosom of a vale towards the rustic and straggling village of Brixton, Passing The church of this little village is evidently of considerable antiquity, but also bears undoubted proof of being the work of different periods. The square tower is low and embattled, surmounted by a dwarf spire. Just beneath the battlement the Virgin and Child are rudely sculptured, the latter represented by a lamb. Near the church is the pleasing parsonage-house, of which the present incumbent is the Rev. Mr. Digby. 308 Defence of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge. [Nov. 1, From the lofty Downs of Brixton and Motteston, the view extends over the coast of Hants to Portsdown Hill, and along the whole range of the northern coast of the island; while the beautiful and highly-cultivated valley gains an accession of objects from the villages of Sharfleet and Brook with their church and chapel. The succeeding elevation of Brook Down contains memorials of the early invasions of the Danes or Saxons-those warlike hordes whose conquest-seeking visits ravaged the fertile coasts of the British isles. The most considerable of these memorials is a circular foss, eightyone paces in circumference, from the centre of which rises a tumulus, the funeral monument, probably, of some powerful chieftain slain in one of the bloody actions with which their invasions were frequently attended. In the immediate vicinity six other tumuli, coned and surrounded with a small foss, marked the place of sepulture of some of his companions in arms. A solitary instance of tumulus is also discernible on Motteston Down. The extensive Down of Brook, which stretches westward to Freshwater Gap, sloping in gradual declension to the sea, and on the north towards Yarmouth, appears to have been the scene of many sanguinary conflicts. Its whole extent, from its highest summit to its sea-ward base, appears to have been anciently intersected by fosses, while numerous tumuli were scattered over its surface. The clash of arms, and the contests of barbarous tribes delighting in war and rapine, and carrying blood and desolation in their footsteps, live only in the annals of the historian, or are recalled to the imagination of the antiquary while pausing over the rude memorials of their sanguinary deeds. By the mutability of human events, the scene of these terrible exploits is now converted into the theatre of less fearful contests, although accompanied sometimes perhaps by equally dishonourable objects, and not a much more honest mode of obtaining them; where avarice usurps the place of ambition, and force is supplied by fraud. The inclosure of the forest of Parkhurst destroyed the course where the annual races of the island were held, and the sport has consequently been transferred to Compton Down, an elevation in the immediate vicinity of Brook Down, where three horses ran for the first time in 1815. The ground is at present far from a good one, but it is intended to be improved. The irregular surface now only allows the formation of a two-mile course. These Downs afford au ample field for the pleasures of the chace, which are here pursued with great avidity by the gentlemen of the island. From Compton Down the prospect is richly diversified. The coast that encircles its Bay is varied by the unequal nature of its cliffs; and here again occurs one of those chines that perpetually indent this range of shore. Its deep and fertile dells, and the rich expanse of ocean that here spreads itself around, form pleasing objects in the view, while descending towards Freshwater Gate. MR. EDITOR, YOUR correspondent, J. B. asserts, that "the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge is regarded by much more than half the Christian world as instituted for promoting heresy, schism, and sectarian principles, tending to destroy the unity of Christ's holy catholic church, upon earth." If, by the expression "much more than half the Christian world," he means the greater part of the dissenters throughout the kingdom, the assertion is perhaps correct; but then, churchmen are not to be regulated in their proceedings by the opinions of those who dissent from them; nor can I avoid adding, that the objection comes with an ill grace from persons who are themselves sowing dissension and religious animosity, either intentionally or accidentally, wherever their influence extends. Whether it be promoting heresy, schism, &c. &c. to circulate the scriptures, the book of common prayer, together with tracts which inculcate, among other moral and religious duties, those of submission to the ruling powers both in church and state, I submit to the consideration of the unprejudiced reader; only wishing that such schismatical and heretical practices may abound more and more, and that the society which lends its aid to such services may experience the greatest encouragement and assistance. It is a mistake to assert that the advantages attainable in connection with it, "can only be of a local, partial, and very limited description," when it is known that those advantages extend as far as the limits of the kingdom itself, and that by means of local diocesan or district committees, the spiritual wants of every parish in England may be relieved by any inhabitant of such parish, whether he be clerk or laic, who is a 1816.] Defence of the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge. member of the society; nay, it is suffi cient to make a parochial collection, and two-thirds of the amount will be remitted by the society in books, at their reduced terms. I may add, that instances have occurred in which even dissenters were glad to purchase a bible or testament at these reduced prices, and this, though stamped with the inscription of this society, and furnished inside with one of the liturgical collects of our church. As to the circumstance of its circulating some improper tracts, it is sufficient to reply, that its members are perfectly at liberty to select what tracts they please for circulation; that those,, confessedly excellent, far outnumber, I should hope, what are objectionable: and that in the particular instance to which J. B. alludes, the language of our church affords at least some colour to the opinions of Dr. Mant; so that the censures of your correspondent might on the same grounds be directed against the baptismal service, either for countenancing an erroneous tenet, or not speaking explicitly enough on the subject. J. B. is displeased at my using the term sectaries, in speaking of the seceders from our established church. I really am not aware that there is one in the language more appropriate or descriptive. They are the authors of sects; and where we speak of dissension, it is but fair to keep in mind what it necessarily occasions: however, as I wish to give no unnecessary offence, I have in this letter substituted the term dissenters in lieu of that before adopted. As to the justice with which our ancestors were termed sectarians by the members of the Romish communion, that must be left to every individual to determine; as also the question, whether our modern separatists are justified in their secession from us, equally with our reformers, in withdrawing from the church of Rome. I shall merely express my hope, that no Protestant will seriously institute a parallel between two churches, one of which denies to her members all access to the scriptures in their original languages, and pursues them with anathemas, temporal and spiritual, if they desert her standard; while the other encourages the study of the scriptures, both among the clergy and laity, and passes no censure upon those who, pleading the rights of conscience, seek for spiritual nutriment in other pastures than her own. I make no doubt there are those among the dissenters who are ready to praise many things belonging to the 309 established church, and ready to bear testimony to worth and piety, when they appear among the clergy; still, however, it is impossible that a seceding dissenter as such can be friendly to our establishment; whatever good he may think attaches to it, he must look upon his own religious system in a more favourable point of view. He would rather that the worth and piety he admires in the members of the establishment were exercised within his own communion-in this sense applicable, even to those dissenters who approach nearest in sentiment to ourselves. I desire that the expression professed and real enemies may be interpreted; no difference of religious opinion would prevent benevolent persons, whether in or out of the establishment, from doing good to their fellowcreatures, in the same spirit that actuated the good Samaritan. And here allow me to say, that for the conscientious dissenter I entertain the highest respect, though I cannot agree with him in his sentiments, nor shut my eyes to the evil of dissent; yet, if he cannot conform without violating the dictates of conscience, far be it from me to urge him to that which would be in him a sin: but though I may highly respect and esteem him, he cannot expect I should regard him with the same affection I do others who are linked in the bands of the same communion with myself. Neither nature nor religion exact it of me. What is my crime then in preferring to distribute the bible in conjunction with those who think alike, rather than with those who differ? Or, why should they be accused of "discovering a jealous, illiberal, and uncharitable temper," who, belonging to the Church of England, choose for their associates the members of that church, rather than a motley assemblage of persons, agreed in nothing but the propriety of forsaking the establishment? Candour and liberality are high and imposing words; but where they are interpreted to mean a sacrifice of our own opinions to what we consider the errors and prejudices of others, we cannot be too much on our guard against them. What bypocrisy and double-dealing may be concealed under the mask of a specious profession, has been fully shewn by a writer in your Magazine for March, who, as a consistent Protestant dissenter, is entitled to my fullest respect and approbation, and in whose manly principles I most thoroughly coincide, when he describes himself as "one who admires prace with all men, but unity 310 Epitaph on Captain Wright. only with those in promoting christianity, CLERICUS. If it be not irregular to subjoin to this letter what has no manner of connection with it, I would beg leave to return my best acknowledgments to your correspondent, D. P. for his sensible observations on the treatment of infants; and to ask him, whether he does not consider Dalby's Carininative as one of those medicines which ought to be administered, at least with extreme caution, never without the advice of some medical [Nov. 1, recently erected by Admiral Sir Sidney H. S. E. IOANNES. WESLEY. WRIGHT. NAVIS. PRÆFECTVS. APVD. SVOS. VIRTVTE. AC. PERITIA. CLARVS. QVÆ. AD. SVMMVM. GLORIAE. FAS- NIHIL. PRAETER. OCCASIONEM. CLARVS. EDITVS. ATAVIS. IN. EXSEQVENDIS. STRENVVS. AC. FORTIS. IN. REBVS. SECVNDIS. MODESTVS. IN. IN. DUBIIS. PRVDENS. ET. SAGAX. CONCLVSVS. EST. ET. DVRISSIMA. CVSTODIA. ADFLIC TVS. SED. INTER. VINCVLA. ET. VINCVLIS. GRAVIORA. VSQVE. INCONCVSSAE. PERMANSE- MORTVVS. IVGVLO. PERFOSSO. REPERTVS. V. KAL. NOVEMB. ANNO. SACRO. person. An old nurse-tender will always PAVLLO. POST. MANE. IN. LECTVLO. endeavour to procure this or some other soporific, under the plea that it is the best remedy for convulsions; but too often, I fear, with the design of making the child sleep, and thus being herself released from the trouble of watching It were well if these matrons could be entirely deprived of the management of infants, as they are in general opinionative and intractable to the highest degree. Perhaps D. P. can mention some book which treats, in a brief yet satisfactory manner, of the proper management of infants. on it. June 13, 1816. ÆTATIS. SVAE. XXXVI. GVLIELMVS. SIDNEY. SMITH. PONENDVM. CVRAVIT. MDCCCXVI. Translation. H. S. E. JOHN WESLEY WRIGHT, by birth an Englishman, Captain in the British Navy, distinguished both among his own countrymen, and foreigners, for skill and courage 1816.] dent. Royal Naval Institution. to whom, of those things which lead to the sum and summit of glory, nothing was wanting but opportunity. His ancestors, whose virtues he inherited, he honoured by his deeds. Quick in apprehending his orders, active and bold in the execution of them. In success, modest; in adverse circumstances, firm; in doubtful enterprises, wise and pruAwhile successful in his bold career, at length, assailed by adverse winds, and on a hostile shore, he was captured, and being soon after brought to Paris, was confined in the prison called the Temple, infamous for midnight murders, and placed under the most rigid custody. But in bonds, and suffering severities still more oppressive, his fortitude of mind, and fidelity to his country, remained unshaken. A short time after he was found in the morning with his throat cut, and dead in his bed. He died the 27th of November, 1805, to be lamented by his country, avenged by his God. William Sidney Smith, in memory of ancient friendship, caused this marble to be placed, in the year of our Lord 1816. MR. EDITOR, I WAS much pleased to see in your number for September, that, owing to the spirit and independence of some officers of the navy at Bath, supported by others of a similar feeling, the navy has beeu preserved as a substantive body, and a ROYAL NAVAL INSTITUTION established, which already consists of nearly 300 members, amongst whom are officers distinguished for rank, talent, and zeal to promote maritime knowledge. The terms of admission are ten guineas, and five guineas annually, which, from haste or error in the press, is mis-stated in your number for September, p. 105. Albemarle-street. MR. EDITOR, TRUE BLUE. It is considered that the authenticity of records respecting a peculiar people, cannot be better illustrated, or the fidelity of the historian more clearly ascertained, than by proving that the manners and customs recorded, are in unison with, or bear a resemblance to the manners and customs of other nations, of the same antiquity, or what may be more correct, of a similar state of improvement; and the truth possibly becomes more apparent, when the similarity is not so exact as to admit a presumption, that the customs of one nation were merely copied from the other. Mr. Walter Scott in the third Canto of the Lady of the Lake describes the rites, incantations, and imprecations, used prior to the “ Fiery Cross" being 311 circulated, to summon the rough warriors of ancient times to the service of their chief; and in the first note of this Canto, he alludes to the historical truth of the custom, as anciently, as well as comparatively of modern date, practised in Scotland; and proves that a similar punishment of death or destruction of the houses for disobeying the summons was inflicted by the ancient Scandinavians, as recorded by Olaus Magnus in his History of the Goths. A custom still more in point than the one cited may be found to have existed in a more ancient nation, whose history is supposed the most, if not the only, authentic narrative of deeds of ancient times, and which also records the sanguinary manners of uncultivated nations. "Then Nahash the Ammonite came up and camped against Jabesh Gilead; and all the men of Jabesh said unto Nahash, make a covenant with us, and we will serve thee; and Nahash the Ammonite answered them; on this condition will I make a covenant with you, that I may thrust out all your right eyes, and lay it for a reproach upon all Israel-And the elders of Jabesh Gilead said unto him, Give us seven days respite, that of Israel, and then if the re be no man to save we may send messengers unto all the coasts us, we will come out to thee - Then came the messengers to Gibeah of Saul, and told the tidings in the ears of the people, and all the people lift up their voices and wept And behold Saul came after the herd out of the field, and Saul said "what aileth the people that they weep?" And they told him the tidings of the men of Jabesh-And the spirit of God came upon Saul, when he heard those tidings, and his anger was kindled greatly. And he took a yoke of Oxen and hewed them in pieces, and sent them throughout all the coasts of Israel, by the hands of inessengers, saying, whosoever cometh not forth after Saul and after Samuel, so shall it be done unto his oxen-And the fear of the Lord fell on the people, and they came out with one consent; and when he numbered them in Besek, the children of Israel were three hundred thousand, and the men of Judah thirty thousand. |