THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE: LONDON GAZETTE Miscellaneous Correspondence. MINOR CORRESPONDENCE.-Questions, &c. 290 Cumb.2-Doncast. Exeter 2, Glouc. 2 Maidst.--Manch.9 Newc.3.-Notts.2 Northampton Norfolk, Norwich N.Wales, Oxford 2 Portsea-Pottery Preston-Plym.2 Reading-Salisb. Salop-Sheffield2 Sherborne, Sussex Shrewsbury Staff.-Stamf. 2 Taunton-Tyne Wakefi.-Warw. Wolverh. Worc.2 Review of New Publications. Sir R. C. Hoare's Hist. of Antient Wiltshire329 Historical Chronicle. Embellished with perspective Views of EAST MEON Church, Hants; By SYLVANUS URBAN, GENT. Printed by JoHN NICHOLS and SON, at CICERO'S HEAD, Red Lion Passage, Fleet-street, London; where all Letters to the Editor are particularly desired to be addressed, PosT-PAID. MINOR CORRESPONDENCE. A. J. X. begs to inform " a constant Reader," that he apprehends "he is perfectly correct in his conception that the Scala Chronica in question is alone to be found in Leland's Collectanea, where portions of it are printed under the title of "Notable thinges translatid out into Inglisch, by John Lelande, oute of a booke called Scala Chronica, the which a certain Inglisch man taken in werre prisoner, and broughte to Edingeburgh in Scotland, did translate out of French ryme into French prose." The passage A. J. K. cited in his remarks, evidently could not belong to the Scala Chronica; for that book, it appears, was not written in Latin. The quotation A. J. K. has given was selected from some historical collections he has endeavoured to form relative to the College of St. Martin-le-Grand. In the hurry of transcription, "Scala Chron." was affixed to the passage instead of "Ex veteri codice Roffensis monasterii, Fundationes monasteriorum. Leland's Collectanea, vol. IV. p. 71." The passage from Scala Chronica, which appertains to the subject, and should have been given, runs thus:"King Cadwallein was founder of the College of St. Martin's, in the West part of London." Leland's Collect. vol. I. 512. A J. K. would feel exceedingly obliged to any Correspondent who might inform him whether the Register of the College of St. Martin-le-Grand, described by Tanner, as written on vellum, consisting of a hundred leaves, and lodged with the Dean and Chapter of Westminster, be still in existence, and by what means access to it might be obtained, if it should still remain. An ordinary application, however respectful and explanatory, would not succeed. But the difficulty is probably the effect of precaution. In answer to V. K. M. p. 2, "who wishes to know why Oxford obtained the name Rhedycina ?" D. I. observes, "that if he had consulted any of the members of Jesus College in that University, they could have told him that it is a British word latinized Rhyd ychen-Oxenford, by which name it is still known in the principality." [See the word fully explained in our vol. LXX. 920. 1136.] Z. in reply to LATHBURIENSIS, (p. 2), says, "The Life of Mrs. Margaret Andrews of Lathbury, 1680," is now before me. The title is, "The Life and Death of Mrs. Margaret Andrews, the only child of Sir Henry Andrews, Baronet, and the Lady Elizabeth his wife, of Lathbury, in the County of Bucks, who died May 4th, 1680, in the 14th year of her age. London, printed for Nath. Ponder, at the Peacock in the Poultry, near the Church, 1680." 24mo. pp. 102. It is dedicated to the Right Worshipful Sir Henry Andrews, Baronet, and the Lady Elizabeth his wife; but the author has not subscribed his name. He speaks of their having nursed up this and many other children; but as she is spoken of in the title-page as their only child, we must suppose that all the others were then dead. Then follows a Latin Epitaph, but whether placed on a monument or tomb-stone, is not said. Some poetry on her death follows, and then an English poetical Epitaph; but whether really placed to her memory, is not said. Young as she was, she appears to have been entirely absorbed in attention to Religion. She inculcated it on her servants and poor neighbours, whom she visited at their houses, and to whom she was very charitable. On her deathbed she asked her parents whether she had any thing of her own to dispose of; and having received their consent to it, she desired that the chancel of Lathbury should be paved with marble, and that 401. should be given to the Poor of Newport Pagnel, and 157. to those of Lathbury. -The author, speaking of the little care she took for the adorning her body, says, "some are so vain in this, that the workmanship of God, with all decent adorning, will not content them, but they must also spot and plaister their faces, &c." M. observes, the form of ordaining or consecration of an Archbishop or Bishop, is in the English language, and printed with the larger Prayer Books. The words "nolo episcopari," are not in this solemnity. He inquires, if used at present, where are they to be found? Our Correspondent "Rambler," p. 38, who thought himself hoaxed at Stratfordupon-Avon, is referred to vol. LXXX. ii. p. 322, for an engraving of the Seal-ring in question, probably Shakspeare's, with a description of it, by Mr. R. B. Wheeler. J. TRESLOVE requests that some of our Readers would be so obliging as to point out to him any sources from which he may derive information relative to the rise and progress of two places of amusement, viz. Mary-le-Bone Gardens, and the Pantheon; by whom established, and the particular purposes for which they were originally iutended. [Mr. Treslove is referred to Malcolm's "Manners and Customs of Loudon during the Eighteenth Century."] A. B. C. is requested to send any address he pleases to Rev. H. Berkin, Forest of Dean, Gloucester, and the desired information will be readily given. Character of Dr. CYRIL JACKSON, in our next; with a review of "GOGMAGOG HALL," &c. &c. THE GENTLEMAN'S MAGAZINE, I For OCTOBER, 1819. MISCELLANEOUS CORRESPONDENCE. HAVE within the last few months travelled over a considerable part of England and Wales; in some districts, which I well knew many years since, I was struck with surprize to find how little alteration was visible, either in the people or their habitations;—and I take up my pen, through the medium of your Miscellany, to make a few remarks on the general State of Society at the present time, as compared with that of former periods, and to contradict the fallacious assertion which some persons now make, that a great majority of the inhabitants of this Country are much more distressed, and less satisfied with our Constitution and the general state of things, than either during the late War, or previous to its commencement. Any one who will divest himself of prejudice, and take the trouble fairly and impartially to inquire into and consider the present situations and opinions of the inhabitants of this Country generally, will, in my judgment, determine that such an assertion is not founded in fact. Many inland parts of England were but little affected by the War, excepting in as much as they were burthened with additional taxes (greater than they now pay), and deprived of the means of keeping down the price of labour, without any of those advantages which the War created in other districts; so that their condition, during the War, was worse than either before it, or at the present time. It appears to me, that the inhabitants of some inland towns are as little altered, either in their sentiments, their manners, or their habits, for the last forty years, as it is possible to imagine; and even their houses and their furniture remain nearly the same; although in the resorts of gaiety and fashion, in great commercial towns, and on our most public roads, the scene, within that period, has been completely changed, whereas of late on the Continent of Europe, Englishmen have become notorious for luxurious accommodations of every description, to the encouragement of viciated habits, and high charges. It seems to be natu ral to us all, to look back on past pleasures and advantages with much partiality; and with too little regard do we mark the progress of those events which promote our present comforts. Make but a fair allowance for this inclination of the human mind, and for the unavoidable and natural effects of a long War, and you will find much satisfaction in this Country. I have been employed in active life for many years (but never by Govern ment), and have occasionally mixed with persons of almost every description. I have marked with much attention the bearings and windings of the human mind; and whether I judge from my own observations, for near fifty years, or from records of those who have bequeathed their sentiments to succeeding generations, it appears to me evident, that the opinion of mankind in general, as well as their disposition, is less altered than the generality of men admit. No doubt opinions vary according to the circumstances of the times;like water, they are agitated and fluctuated; but, like the same element, by degrees they find their proper level. To form any thing like a correct judgment of the proportion of the distressed and discontented at this time, compared with those of the past, requires not only a general knowledge of the present state of the Country, but extensive information, as as to former periods. It would fill a volume, instead of a short letter, to state the result of such research; but we should find nothing in the history of former reigns, or in the occurrences of the present, to justify an assertion that the people of this king. dom, as a nation, have been better off, or much better satisfied, than at present. There are at this time many excellent supporters of our Church and State to be found among our nobility and gentry, who live with contentment, and promote it around them. In less exalted stations of society, there are many in affluence and independence, others exercising a course of industry, and others in retired or social life, living with all the comfort and contentment which is common to the human race; and I trust there is yet a large proportion of welldisposed mechanics and labourers who enjoy all the comforts which, generally speaking, are attendant on their humble stations, and who know nothing of, or despise the refractory spirit which prevails in some of our manufacturing districts. I give it as my decided opinion (not hastily formed), that a great majority of the inhabitants of this Country partake of as much prosperity, contentment, and happiness, as was found in our various situations twenty years since, or in those of our predecessors, at earlier periods. And I also assert, that a large majority of the population of England and Wales are friendly to our present Government, and a still larger majority would, on any trying occasion, firmly support our envied Constitution. With much regret do I observe that discontent is far too prevalent among our young men. Born in the early part of a long War, they heard of the blessings of Peace, but never considered the attendant consequences. The difficulty of procuring desirable employment is certainly much increased; the Navy and Army are as it were full, the Professions are crowded, and Mercantile and other situations are at present less plentiful, and less advantageous. But these are results which former times have known; they are natural and unavoidable consequences: those who have the means must be content to pass their time in peaceful frugality, and others must accept such situations as can be procured, and live accordingly. It is not in this Country only that the economy of things has been deranged, nor is the want of employment for young men, or distress among the lower classes, here only to be deplored. To keep in check the present disturbers of the public peace, may be easy to reform the present madheaded. Reformers, is impossible: but the wisdom of our wisest Legislators and our Magistracy, will be most beneficially directed to the formation of some effectual barrier against the diabolical doctrines with which these rebellious subjects are using every means in their power to poison the minds of the rising generation; they strike at the root of moral rectitude, and of all that is sacred and valuable in society. I much fear (and with reluctance name it) that either the present system of general education, or our boasted Liberty of the Press, must be restrained; and whether I consider the welfare of this Country in a moral, a religious, or a political point of view, still such unwelcome restriction appears to be essentially connected with our future prosperity. The foundation of the Christian Religion, I confidently trust, is too firm to be shaken; but in vain will the laudable intentions of the distributors of the Holy Scriptures be exercised in the lower classes of society, in vain will they attempt effectually to assuage the mind of the Poor by religious instruction and consolation, unless it be possible to stop the present extensive circulation of irreligious and seditious Publications;-let them remember the parable of the sower"the weeds sprang up and choaked it;" and equally in vain will our National and our Sunday Schools have been instituted, if deistical men are suffered to mix with the children there taught, and without restraint, under the specious veil of Freedom, insidiously to inculcate such evil doctrines as release the mind from all responsibility. Thus in vain would the principles of our excellent Church, or the tenets of the various Sects of Christian Dissenters, be taught to many of those who are now learning to read the Bible, if Christianity itself as to be misrepresented with impupity, and the lower orders are to be instructed instructed (as at present in some of our populous towns), that all Religion is a political imposition invented to keep them in subjection and poverty! In Wales the lower classes, generally speaking, are orderly and well satisfied; the Scriptures have been distributed with good effect, because no seditious, false, and wicked pamphlets have yet been printed in their native language, and the evil consequences of their circulation see:ns unknown or unthought of among the Poor. The various inconveniences to which our bodies as well as our circumstances are liable in this world, are to our mortal sight inconsistent with the goodness of God, unless we admit them ordained by his Almighty power to promote our ultimate advantage; the hardships which exist in some parts of this country evidently are at this time operating to remedy evils of an opposite nature. I well remember full twenty years since that it was a common observation among Manufacturers, Artificers, and Agriculturists, that the high price of labour would be the ruin of this Country; and well might such result be dreaded, when the labourer would work but four days in the week, and spend the remainder of his time in drunkenness and dissipated habits (was his family better off than at present?), and when the husbandman would quit the farm on which his father had spent a peaceful life, unless he received almost a perpetual advance of wages. High wages and plenty of work then encouraged early marriages, and also the invention of machinery of almost every description; the effect of these circumstances is now in full operation. But I venture to assert, that at the above period, there was not more satisfaction, or more persons (generally speaking) who possessed the common comforts of life, than at present. The high wages then obtained created a desire for unprecedented earnings, and which desire, as well as the mode of living then adopted, is not easily forgotten; and until the formation of the human mind can be amended (as Mr. Owen supposes it may be), or rather until it shall please God to alter the course of this world, such causes must and will produce their corresponding effects. AMICUS. Blandford, Oct. 14. LONG had I flattered myself that 66 the publication of Thos. Paine's of Reason" had done a never Age failing service to the world, by calling forth that highly-estimable Answer, "The Apology for the Bible," by the late Bishop Watson, an Answer which exposed in their proper colours, and as there was reason to believe, put to silence many of the bold and unqualified objections of the firstmentioned Writer. The apparently unfortunate revival of the argument may, I trust, yet call forth the endeavours of some other advocate for revealed Religion, who in the event may still further prove the accuracy of the assertion, "Magna est Veritas, et prevalebit." At any rate, it is to be hoped that a large circulation will be given, at a low price, to the animated Reply of the Bishop. Meantime it may not be without its use to extract that beautiful passage from the above Work, wherein the superiority of Christianity to Deism is most forcibly and concisely exhibited. "There is nothing in Deism but what is in Christianity, but there is much in Christianity that is not in Deism. The Christian has no doubt concerning a future state; every Deist, from Plato to Thomas Paine, is on this subject overwhelmed with doubts insuperable by human reason. The Christian has no misgivings as to the pardon of sin through the intercession of a Mediator; the Deist is harassed, lest the moral justice of God should demand, with inexorable rigour, punishment for transgression. The Christian has no doubt concerning the lawfulness and efficacy of prayer; the Deist is disturbed on cerning the goodness of God, which wants this point by abstract considerations connot to be entreated, concerning his foresight which has no need of our information, concerning his immutability which cannot be changed through our supplication. The Christian has assurance that the Spirit of God will help his infirmities; the Deist does not deny that God may have access to the human mind, but he has no ground to believe the fact of his either enlightening the understanding, in fluencing the will, or purifying the heart." It may appear presumption in me to add to the above any further elucidation of the subject. Supposing myself, however, to have to do with those |