viii. verse 27. "But will God indeed | Earl of Breadalbane; Edward Irving, dwell on the earth? Behold, the heaven, and the heaven of heavens, cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?" This was written in the Hebrew character. The following passage, written in the Greek character, was taken from 1 Peter, chap. ii. verse 6:-" Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner-stone, elect, precious; and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded." A.M., Minister; William Dinwiddie, Elder; William Tite, Architect.The stone having reached the plate of its destination, his Lordship repeat ed the formula of Nomination. He then spread some mortar, and, finding the stone was in a proper position, gave it three strokes with a mallet, and pronounced it fixed. His Lordship will preserve the trowel, as a memo rial of these transactions. The place where the stone was deposited is near the centre of the area; a tent was erected over it; and the To the above passages was added the following inscription:-"The first stone of this chapel was laid on the first of July, 1824, by his Royal High-ground was railed round, and strewed ness William Henry Duke of Clarence and St. Andrew's ;* Edward Irving, A.M., Minister; William Dinwiddie, Elder; William Tite, Architect." The glass bottle, hermetically sealed, contained an account of the church, the name of the Pastor, Elder, the names of the Finance and General Committees, and a book, on which was written the names of all the subscribers to the day on which the deposite took place. The glass vase contained the following coins:-A sovereign, a half-sovereign, a crown, a half-crown, a shilling, a sixpence, a silver fourpence, a silver threepence, a silver twopence, and a silver penny. with gravel. In some part of the area, scaffoldings had been erected for the accommodation of the spectaters. These were covered with people, and the ground was every where crowded with company, of whom vast numbers were unable to obtain a view of the ceremony; but this disappointment was borne by them without commotion. Those more particularly fa voured were admitted to their re spective stations by tickets, of which 1700 were issued. It is pleasing to add, that, notwithstanding the crowd was great, no tumult took place, nor have we learned that any accident occurred. The expense of erecting and embelThe caskets, and the enclosed me-lishing this edifice has been estimated morials, having been exhibited, read, at £14,000, to which must probably and explained by Mr. Hamilton, were be added several thousands more, unpresented by him to the Earl of Bread- less the building committee should albane, who immediately consigned be more successful than their neighthem to their appointed place. This bours under similar circumstances, was an excavation made in a stone many of whom, at a vast expenditure, already prepared for the occasion, and have erected buildings that are much which, when these records were de- less superb. But whatever may be posited, was covered over by another, the expenses on the present occasion, to give completion to the security. there is no probability that it will languish for want of pecuniary support, and no question can be entertained that it will be finished in the first style of elegance. When completed, the National Scotch Church will be connected, in public estimation, with the splendid edifices which adorn the city, and will attract the attention of strangers when they visit the British metropolis. This part of the ceremony having been concluded, the stone was lowered down to its final situation, under the inspection and superintendence of his Lordship, to whom was presented a silver trowel, bearing the following inscription: The first stone of the National Scotch Church, London, was laid on the first of July, 1824, by the When this inscription was placed on the glass, the indisposition of his Royal Highness was not known, nor was his subsequent nonattendance anticipated. It was, however, corrected in the inscription on the trowel, the name of the Royal Duke being omitted, and that of the Earl of Breadalbane substituted in its stead. Elevated on the pinnacle of popu larity; followed, admired, flattered, est distinction and greatest influence; and courted, by persons of the highMr. Irving's situation is peculiarly hazardous. On one side he perceives & host of friends, whose applauses are calculated to excite vanity; and on | the other, he beholds a troop of enemies, who watch with malignant vigilance every opportunity to tarnish his reputation with the breath of calumny. Happily these opposite extremes serve as correctives to each other, and thus preserve, by their counteracting influence, the equilibrium of that balance, which, operating singly, either of them might destroy. Thus far it is pleasing to observe, that Mr. Irving has remained unmoved, amidst the caresses and reproaches with which he has been surrounded, without deviating from that line of duty which becomes him as a minister of the gospel in private life, or accommodating the truths which he delivers in public, to the taste either of friends or foes. This, to the latter, is no small disappointment. Their stock of indiscriminate censure is nearly exhausted, and, to their great mortification, they have not yet been able to provoke him to animadvert on their proceedings. A VISIT TO THE PLANET MARS. These remarks are but introductory to the following imaginary "visit," intended not to pander to the merely speculative appetite, but to promote enlarged ideas of the power of God, which, for aught we know, may have created myriads of worlds quite different from this, and innumerable intelligences, of whose natures and habits we have no conception, and to cherish sentiments of gratitude, humility, and piety. Imagination carried me to the planet Mars, where I found inhabitants, who had bodily forms, but not like our's; and language, but not like any lanWHILE the votaries of "science false- guage on earth. They had all the ly so called," are often found indulg- senses and faculties possessed by the ing in speculations and hypotheses, human race, but they had also senses which would be devoid of interest to and faculties to which we are strana well-regulated mind, even if they gers. They were social and commuwere plausibly supported, there are nicative, and exercised their corpoother persons, scarcely more judici- real and intellectual powers in purous, who oppose almost every exer- suit of objects calculated to promote cise of the imaginative faculty. The the satisfaction of both. They built former invoke our admiration of a houses, but they were new to me, theory which excites immediate con- both in the form of their construction tempt by its obvious inutility, and the and their materials. The produce of latter fastidiously turn away from their planet was various; which, by every thing which is not plain fact, their philosophers (for they had such) however pleasing in its details, or in- was minutely explored, but it was structive in the lessons it conveys; totally dissimilar from any of the prothus resembling the man who should ducts of earth. Myriads of inferior, regard the rainbow as a blemish in living tribes, distinguishable as mathe heavens, because its substance is jestic, agile, beautiful, or gay, ranged impalpable, and its colours but a vi- their fields, or floated, self-sustained, sion of light. In the sternness of their above. Trees were unknown, nor did zeal for plain truth, they would ex- I see a drop of water; but there were elude from her service some of the scenes which excited in the inhabiablest partisans she has. They would tants all the enthusiasm inspired by not speak irreverently of the beautiful the loveliest displays of nature upon similitudes and parabolical instruc-earth. Resorts of melody enchanting tions of holy writ; but, with an in- as our vernal groves, and sources of consistency altogether at variance refreshment, romantic, and as pure as with their reverence for these, they our mountain streams, were numerous. decry as false friends, any who would It is true, no verdant green arrayed offer the inventions of a bold imagina- their plains, nor blue their skies; but tion in illustration of the statements an appearance, of which I cannot of truth, let the similitude be ever so convey any notion, as none of my readers have senses adapted to the apprehension of it, clad their scenery, and made it lovely. Their atmosphere was exquisitely clear and brilliant, and their skies were of a delicately splendid hue, exceeding far in beauty, yet capable of illustration by the fine, clear, rubeous tint with which our earthly skies are sometimes invested by the setting sun. Although not fully qualified either to enjoy or to perceive all the media of delight in this, to me, new world, I felt it to be a region superior to earth; but my predilection for our meaner planet encouraged emotions of jealousy, and prejudice almost stifled the conviction of my senses. "These creatures," said I, of the inhabitants, "may be happy, and may be innocent, but their happiness and their innocence are the consorts of ignorance. Superior to the brute creation they evidently are, but, unlike man, they are man's inferiors, for man was created in the image of God." As I reflected thus, I suddenly came upon a collected multitude of the people, and having hitherto only seen them actively engaged, I was now surprised to observe, that a solemn stillness prevailed amongst them, save that I heard, as it were, celestial breathings ascending with all the softness, without the sadness, of human sighs to heaven. There was nothing, such as earthly faces might exhibit, to indicate the nature of their engagement! but impressed on each there was the plain token of sublime devotion. How did I long to ascertain the object of their adoration! but my anxiety was not unmixed with a suspicion, (shrinking, it is true, before the celestial aspect of the devotees,) that their worship was idolatrous. Nor did my heart entirely exclude an unholier feeling, even that which almost amounted to a wish that these worshippers might be found less elevated than the species to which I myself belonged. Wretched heart of mine! It was not till a sudden recollection of the mercies, undeserved and infinite, which I had, received pressed upon me, and touched the chord of gratitude, that I arose above my prejudices, to wish my heavenly Father had a worshipper in every creature of his universe. And then, just in that moment of thankfulness, as it were in unison with my own feelings, the multitude addressed their voice to heaven audibly. There was, however, no confession of infirmity, or sin; no pleading of a Saviour's merits for acceptance, no gratitude for a slain Redeemer's love expressed; but there was adoration pure and holy; there was acknowledgment of goodness experienced, though not of goodness forfeited; avowals of absolute dependence, and expressions of perfect homage, fervent love, and entire trust. There was no lament for glories lost, but there were loud thanksgivings for bliss possessed:and the object to whom they bowed was, I found, the God that I also worshipped, though in strains far less exalted, and with emotions far less purified from gross admixture. I listened till the sacred service terminated, and then how different were the sentiments which occupied my soul, from those I had entertained before I witnessed it! "No longer will Iboast," said I," of wearing the image of God, merely because I wear the image of man, since there are far holier beings than mankind, for multitudes of these walk not in the image of Him who created them in righteousness and true holiness." Through the means appointed by divine compassion and mercy, this glorious image will I seek, in this will I delight, and in this I desire to be always found. And thou, beautiful planet! falsely associated in the mind of man with thoughts of war, henceforth, instead of the glare of fury and the dye of blood, my fancy will invest thee with the blush of beauty, and the glow of seraphic love! London. E. S. INSTRUCTIVE LESSONS. MR. EDITOR. SIR,-The following instructive sentences are copied from a book dedicated to Charles II.-Your's very respectfully, E. B. "GREAT is the felicity of that man whose works are just, and whose desires are innocent." "Innocence and patience are sufficient bucklers to repulse and abate the violence of all slanderous accusations." "A sound heart and a clear conscience will abide all trials; but a guilty conscience, like glass, will sweat with the least breath." ...... "Error hath always most words, like a rotten house that needs most props to uphold it. But simple truth requires least cost, like a beautiful face that needeth no painting. No greater sign of innocence, when we are accused, than mildness." ""Tis princely to disdain a wrong. Pardon is better than revenge. The one is proper to the spirit; the other to beasts. Our Saviour Christ by death overcame death. The martyrs are said by the Holy Ghost to have also conquered by dying, not by killing." "We desire pardon as we give pardon, and should not we be loath to have our own lips condemn us? If we cannot endure words for our Saviour, how should we offer our ashes to him, and write patience with our own blood? Christ allows none to be magnanimous but such as with forgiving do good to those that hurt them." "A good man is impregnable; take away his wealth, his good parts cannot be taken away from him; his treasure is above. Cast him into prison, bonds, or banishment, he doth the more freely enjoy the presence of God; kill his body, it shall rise again, so he fighteth with a shadow who contends with an upright man." "Consider always what thou art, whose thou art, and where thou art." "Arm thyself against temptations, knowing they are a Christian's portion in this life. In all thy affairs first ask counsel of God, and then go on in humility, ascribing the power and praise of all to God, lest he curse thy best doings." "Eternity is the entire and perfect possession of a life together and at once, that shall never cease. But how can that be defined which hath no limit? It is a circle running back into itself, whose circumference is without end." "Sin is the cause of all our sufferings. No misery had ever afflicted us, had not sin first infected us. We may commonly read our sin in our punishment. God's judgments, though they are sometimes secret, are always just, and we can endure nothing from our enemies that we have not justly deserved from God." "We have need of faithful friends or easy enemies. Every one hath great need of a monitor. He shall be no friend to me, who is a friend to my faults; and I am no friend to myself, if I esteem him my enemy who telleth me of them." EXTRAORDINARY EFFECTS OF PUTREFACTION.-BY R. G. IN the month of July, 17**, a very corpulent lady died at ***, in ****. Before her death, she begged, as a particular favour, to be buried in the parochial church. She died on the Wednesday, and on the following Saturday was buried, according to her desire. The next day the clergyman preached her funeral sermon; the weather was uncommonly hot, and it ought to be observed, that for several months preceding her death, a great drought had prevailed, not a drop of rain had fallen, and consequently it was an uncommonly sultry season. The succeeding Sunday, a week after the lady had been buried, the Protestant clergyman had a very full congregation, upwards of nine hundred persons attending, that being the day for the administration of the holy sacrament. The weather still continuing very hot, many were obliged, during the service, to walk out for a little while to prevent their fainting, whilst some had actually fainted away. It is the custom of Germany, that when people wish to receive the sacrament, they neither eat nor drink till the ceremony is entirely over. A The worthy clergyman preached about an hour and a quarter; he then consecrated the bread and wine, which ought to be uncovered during the ceremony. There were about one hundred and eighty communicants. quarter of an hour after the ceremony, before they had quitted the church, more than sixty of the communicants were taken ill, and several died in the most violent agonies; others of a more vigorous constitution survived by the help of medical assistance; but a most violent consternation prevailed among the whole congregation, and throughout the town. It was concluded that the wine had been poisoned; and this being generally believed, the sacristan, and several others belonging to the vestry, were immediately arrested, and put in irons. The clergyman, on the succeeding Sunday, preached with a great deal of enthusiasm, and pointed out to his congregation several others concerned in the plot. This enthusiastic sermon, I am sorry to say, is in print, as also are the violent proceedings of the clergyman and the magistrates against many of the unfortunate people, who, though confined in dungeons, and tortured, still persisted in their innocence. On the Sunday following, the magistrates ordered that a chalice of wine, uncovered, should be placed for the space of an hour upon the altar, which had scarcely elapsed, when they beheld the wine filled with myriads of insects; and, by tracing whence they came, it was at length perceived, by the rays of the sun, that they proceeded from the lady who had been buried the preceding fortnight. The people not belonging to the vestry were dismissed, and four men were employed to open the grave and the coffin; in doing which,two of them dropped down and expired on the spot, and the other two were only saved by the utmost exertions of medical talents. It is beyond the power of words to describe the horrid sight of the corpse when the coffin was opened. The whole was an entire mass of putrefaction; and it was now clearly demonstrated, that the numerous insects, both large and small, together with the effluvia, which had issued from the body, had caused the pestilential infection, which was a week before attributed to poison. I am happy to add, that, on this discovery, the persons accused were instantly liberated, and every atonement made by the clergyman and the magistrates for their misguided zeal. ANECDOTE OF HAMITI, A CHINESE HAMITI, reputed one of the wisest and best of the Chinese emperors, after having gained great advantages over the Tartars, who had invaded his dominions, returned to the city of Nankin, in order to enjoy the happiness of his success. After he had rested some days, the people, who are naturally fond of pageantry and show, expected the triumphal entry which emperors upon such occasions are accustomed to make. Their murmurs came to the emperor's ears. He loved his people, and was willing to do all in his power to satisfy their just desires. He therefore assured them, that he intended, upon the next public festival, to ex hibit one of the most glorious triumphs that had ever been seen in China. The people rejoiced at his condescension, and on the appointed day assembled at the gates of the palace with the most eager expectation. There they waited for some time, without seeing any of those preparations which usually precede a pageant: the lantern with the thousand tapers did not appear; and the fireworks, which usually covered the city-walls, were not yet lighted. The people once more began to murmur at this delay, when, in the midst of their impatience, the palace gate flew open, and the emperor himself appeared, not in splendour or magnificence, but in an ordinary habit, followed by the blind, the maimed, and the strangers of the city, all in new clothes, and each carrying in his hand money enough to supply his necessities for a year. The people were at first amazed, but soon perceived the wisdom of the king, who taught them that to promote virtue, and make men happy, was the summit of human glory. THEATRICAL EXHIBITION IN HUAHINE, ONE OF THE SOCIETY ISLANDS. WHEN our circumnavigators visited this island, in the early periods of its history, some gentlemen were present at a dramatic entertainment, performed by the natives. The subject chosen by the actors was, that of a girl running away from her parents, and was evidently levelled at a young female who had come from Otaheite in Cap tain Cook's ship, and who happened to be present on the occasion. She was not ignorant of its allusion, nor insensible to the pointed sarcasm; and it was with much difficulty that she could be prevailed on to refrain from tears during the exhibition, or to remain until it was completed. The concluding scene represented the probable manner in which she would be received by her parents and friends on her return, which was far from being enviable or gratifying. This represen tation had a double meaning; it was intended to satirize the behaviour of the girl, and, by conveying their opinion of her conduct, to deter others from imitating so unworthy an example. It would be a happy circumstance if theatrical representations nearer home, were of a tendency equally beneficial to public morals. |