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up, they were collected into a hole formed in the earth, and lined with straw: this done, they were carefully covered with straw, which was always quickly replaced when any was taken away. Master kept them for seed, to supply any of his neighbours who wished to try them. We always baked our own bread and brewed our beer, and depended almost entirely on the produce of the village for support. Poor people who had no oven used to bake their bread upon a gridle over the fire."

through the village, and on I went with one foot in the shoe, and the other, as was usual, going pat-pat in the mud. No doubt the neighbours stared well at me; but I did not mind it, indeed it was what I wanted them to do. On reaching home, though my mother scolded me for my childishness, she could not help laughing at my ridiculous appearance and silly pride, and very properly compelled me to take off the shoe and to go back with it to the shop. No sooner, however, was I out of her sight than I sat down and put the shoe on again, but not on the same foot; nor did I walk on the same side of the village back, being wishful that every one should see that I was going to wear shoes. The next day both THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY ON were completely finished, and the following evening saw me in my new home. My dear mother went with me: it was our last walk together. She talked much to me, told me what to strive for and what to avoid in life; and the words, treasured in my mind, have often been repeated by me to the young and inexperienced. Alas, alas! it was not only our last walk, but almost

the last act of kindness which I ever received at her hands. A few weeks after she became much worse: her suffering career was over: she sunk under an attack of inflammation on her lungs, produced by cold, for she had not strength to bear up against it; increasing anxiety and sorrow, on account of my poor father's conduct, wore away her strength.

"Poor indeed I was, as regarded any worldly possessions; but I had my mother's blessing and good advice, and plenty of all things needfnl under my master's roof. In my young days farmer's servants were much better off than at present, as likewise the poor. Land was let in small farms, and cheap: the very same land that is now let at the rate of £4 and £5 per acre, was then rented for years together at the annual charge of 3d. per acre. Of course the fields were rough enough; but, if there was plenty of hard work, there was likewise plenty to eat and drink. In farm-houses no mistress ever locked up the bread and cheese, they were free to every one: those who went out earlier than usual, or on a long journey, helped themselves without asking leave. But, alas! I have lived to see a very different system prevail; better, no doubt, it may be for the country at large; but for the poor I cannot think of them without the sad assurance of their being sufferers by the change. For some time after taking my first place I missed my mother very much, and would gladly have given away my shoes and clothes to return, but that was almost impossible; and in a few weeks I became not only reconciled to my new situation, but proud of it. Master and mistress were very kind indeed; and this made me care very little about the work, though I laboured hard and for a great many hours every day, rising in the morning never later than five, often earlier. In the summer there was always some thing to do till bedtime, which used to be between nine and ten o'clock, in the winter generally at eight. Potatoes were not then in general use, and for the first time in my life I tasted some. Master grew a few; but they were too valuable articles for every day food: they were only to be indulged in on gala days, such as Christmas. When dug

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CONFIRMATION.

THE following copy of the circular respecting confirmation, addressed in 1850 to the clergy of the diocese of Canterbury by our present respected primate, may be interesting to the members of our church generally, as exhibiting that excellent prelate's view of the nature of this or(Copy).

dinance:

"Lambeth, March, 1850.

"Rev. sir,-I write to announce to you my intention, God willing, of holding confirmations in the month of June next, at which those of your parishioners who have passed their fifteenth year, and are approved by you, will be at liberty to attend.

"I give this previous notice that you may be able to take the most convenient opportunity of preparing those young persons who offer themselves for this ordinance with the requisite knowledge and regular instruction. You will also have the means of judging by their willingness to submit to such a course, whether there is really such a heart in them' as shall make the ordinance desirable for them at the present season. It is my earnest request that none be presented to me who do not, in the first place, understand the nature of the Christian faith which they are to take upon themselves; their ruin by sin; their restoration in Christ; their need of renewal through the Holy Ghost; and, in the second place, show themselves disposed to follow a Christian practice, and manfully to contend against sin, the world, and the devil, and to continue Christ's faithful soldiers and servants to their lives' end.

"The terms of a notice, which I subjoin, will prove to your parishioners that you will only be acting in compliance with my instructions if you set aside all candidates who do not pass a satisfactory examination.

"You will please to direct the candidates to bring prayer-books, or other copies of the service, together with their tickets of approval, to church. "I am, rev. sir,

"Your affectionate brother, "J. B. CANTUAR." Notice of Confirmation to be read in the Church. "The archbishop desires me to give notice that he purposes, if God permit, to hold a confirmation in this parish in June next.

"Those young persons will then be presented to him who, being not under fifteen years of age, are prepared, on their parts, to confirm the pro

mises made for them at their baptism, and to live in the faith of Jesus Christ.

"They must first, therefore, have knowledge to understand what is promised for them; and, secondly, have a good will to undertake such promise for themselves.

"The archbishop requires me to present no young person to him whom I do not know to be thus instructed, and believe to be thus disposed.

66 All, therefore, who desire to be confirmed at the present opportunity, must give in their names without delay, that I may receive them to a course of previous instruction. And none are to suppose because they can repeat the creed and the catechism they have therefore sufficient preparation. I am not at liberty to present any unless I find, on examination, that they understand the truths contained in the creed and catechism, and intend to live, by the grace of God, in conformity with the faith which all those profess who come to be confirmed."

My wandering soul he doth restore,
Nor ever will forsake,
But in the paths of righteousness
Lead me, for his name's sake.

Yea, though in death's dark shade I walk,
Yet will I fear no ill;

Thy sceptre's power doth me console,
Thy staff supports me still.

My table thou dost richly spread,

In presence of my foes;
With oil thou dost anoint my head;
My cup with bliss o'erflows.
Goodness and mercy, day by day,

Do always follow me;

And in God's house for evermore
My dwelling-place shall be.

St. Werburgh's, Bristol.

J. H.

Poetry.

HYMNS FOR THE SUNDAYS IN THE YEAR.

BY JOSEPH FEARN.

(SUGGESTED BY SOME PORTION OF THE SERVICE FOR THE DAY).

(For the Church of England Magazine.) FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. "Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear the Lord our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in his season: he reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest."-JER. v. 24 (1st lesson, morning).

THY common mercies, Lord, we slight-
The air we breathe, the food we eat;
But, shouldst thou all these comforts blight,
Our wants would drive us to thy feet.

"Twas ever thus with sinful man,

As in "the weeping prophet's" days;
They would not see God's gracious plan,
And they refused to speak his praise.
"The former and the latter rain"

Brought joy and plenty all around;
But, still, their ingrate hearts refrain,
Though golden harvests bless the ground.

And so to us, Almighty Lord,

We feel the prophet's censure just;
Thou dost thy bounteous gifts afford,
Yet we complain, and still mistrust.
Thou hast "reserved the appointed weeks"—
Let gratitude our hearts inflame;
Thy covenant in each harvest speaks,
And doth thy faithfulness proclaim.

Soon will these times of nature cease,

The falling leaves the warning give:
Help us with Christ to make our peace,
And then with him for ever live.

PSALM XXIII.

(For the Church of England Magazine).

My shepherd is the living Lord,

No good I e'er can need;

In pastures green, near peaceful streains, He maketh me to feed.

LAYS OF A PILGRIM.

No. LXX.

BY MRS. H. W. RICHTER.

(For the Church of England Magazine.)

THE FRIENDS.

I SAW two pilgrims journeying on together, Among the crowds along time's devious way: Thro' every change, thro' fair or stormy weather, Their onward path did by cach other lay: Together had they been from life's sweet morning

ray.

What changes on that journey had they seen!

What suuny gleams-tho' short and broken everBy "Elim's stream" had happy moments been, And Marah's wave from joy the heart will sever; For sorrow had they known, but hearts divided

never

And thorns their feet had wounded as they went :

The flowers they gathered shrunk and faded soon; But to one changeless ray their hopes were bent: It ever shone thro' morning, night, and noonA balm for every woe-heaven's bright and priceles boon.

Their path divided grew; but faithless, cold,

They found the promise of the world to be: The mists of morn from each fair scene had roll'd, And left all there in clear reality:

Still liv'd their ancient tie of love and amity.

They met again by evening's sober ray

The weary ones, who the long way had been: Twilight was stealing o'er their closing day, But starry gleams, the gathering clouds between, Led onwards to that home where all is peace serene.

London: Published for the Proprietors, by JOHN HUGHES, 12, Ave-Maria Lane, St. Paul's; and to be procured, by order, of all Booksellers in Town and Country.

PRINTED BY ROGERSON AND TUXFORD, 246, STRAND, LONDON,

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ANCIENT CUPBEARERS.

WE find many indications in scripture of the rank which the royal cup-bearer held at the Assyrian and Persian courts. The case of Nehemiah will at once occur to recollection. That of Rabshakeh is not at once so obvious, because to ordinary English readers the appellation by which he is known is understood as if it were a proper name, instead of, as it really is, a title of office, signifying literally the "chief cup-bearer."

It would seem that these dignitaries were not employed exclusively in their duty at the king's table, but were often commissioned as generals, ambassadors, and governors, just as a lordchamberlain, or lord of the bed-chamber among ourselves may be, and often is, a lord-lieutenant of a county, or entrusted in some military or civil business. The post of cup-bearer, it may be added, was often filled by an eunuch.

No. 964.

Now it is interesting to find among the sculptures discovered at Nineveh examples of the cupbearer standing before the king. The accompanying illustration represents one of them. The monarch, wearing the conical cap or tiara, with his hair and beard plaited and in curls, has just received a broad saucer-like wine-cup, which he is poising on the tips of his fingers. Before him stands the cupbearer, bearing in one hand a flyflapper, and holding with the other the end of a narrow napkin, which is thrown over his left shoulder, like that still presented by servants in the east to one who has drunk or performed his ablutions. His beardless face proclaims him an eunuch.

Many readers will recollect the account given by Xenophon of the way in which Cyrus in his boyhood amused his mother Mandane, and his grandfather Astyages, by performing to them the office of cupbearer, and how he refused to drink

VOL. XXXIII.

the wine he presented because he imagined, from the effects he had witnessed, that it was of a poi

sonous nature.

SEPTEMBER*.

"And what if no peculiar cause

Beyond the course of nature's laws
Thus gives the harvest moon to shine;
What if that bounteous care benign
Be but a portion of the whole
Stupendous plan, which bids her roll
Her silver orb through heaven's high way
In course oblique, that so her ray
May best, to all beneath the sky,
Its light, as most they need, supply-
Shall we for this, the rather fail
With meek and grateful heart to hail
The wisdom, goodness, and the might,
Which made the moon to rule the night,'
And most when autumn most requires
The cresset of her useful fires,
To glad the farmer's longing sight,

And bless him with the harvest light?"

BISHOP MANT'S "BRITISH MONTHS."

"SEPTEMBER," says an old English writer, "hath his name, as being the seventh month from March he is drawn with a merry and cheerful countenance, and in a purple robe." The attributes of a 66 merry and cheerful countenance," and of a 66 purple robe," have reference, doubtless, to the abundance with which mankind is blessed in this "ripe month," when the fruits of the earth have attained their maturity, and when "the valleys stand so thick with corn, that they laugh and sing."

The country, in England, is perhaps never more beautiful than during the month of September. They, however, who would enjoy with a just and keen relish its varied beauties, must bear in mind the exhortation of the Christian poet, whose "Task" has been the delight of so many readers.

"Acquaint thyself with God if thou would'st taste
His works."

"Much, indeed, do they lose," observes a writer, some of whose beautiful and simple "Annals of the Poor" have been translated into almost all the languages of Europe; "much, indeed, do they lose who are strangers to serious meditation on the wonders and beauties of nature! How gloriously the God of creation shines in his works! Not a tree, or leaf, or flower, not a bird or insect, but it proclaims in glowing language, "God made me !'" but the heart must be at peace with God before it can rightly "taste his works." "When divine grace," observes the same writer, "renews the heart of the fallen sinner, paradise is regained, and much of its beauty restored to the

From "The Garden, the Grove, and the Field." By

Mary Milner. Bath: Binns and Goodwin. We have before

favourably noticed this work.-ED.

+ In September, the first autumnal month, a reduction of temperature begins to be felt; less, however, by night than by day. Although the power of the sun now decreases, some of the finest weather of the year generally occurs during this month. The changes indicated by the barometer are now often great and sudden; and about the time of the equinox heavy gales of wind may be expected. Upon an average more rain falls in September than in August; and in general, it may be observed, that more rain falls while the sun is

below than when he is above the horizon.

The rev. Legh Richmond.

soul. As the prospect is compounded of hill and dale, land and sea, woods and plains, all sweetly blending together, and relieving each other in the landscape, so do the gracious dispositions wrought in the soul produce a beauty and harmony of scene to which it was before a stranger. Do any of my readers inquire why I describe so minutely the circumstances of prospect and scenery which may be connected with the incidents I relate? My answer is, that the God of redemption is the God of creation likewise, and that we are taught in every part of the word of God to unite the admiration of the beauties and wonders of nature to every other motive for devotion. When David considered the heavens, the work of God's fingers, the moon and the stars which he has ordained, he was thereby led to the deepest humiliation of heart before his Maker. And when he viewed the sheep and the oxen, and the beasts of the field, the fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, he was constrained to cry out, O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!""

In the motto prefixed to this chapter, allusion is made to what is commonly called the harvest moon; that moon, namely, which is full nearest to the autumnal equinox. With respect to the phenomenon to which our motto especially refers, suffice it to say that at the full moon which occurs nearest to the autumnal equinox, the interval between the times of the rising of the moon on suc cessive nights, is less than at any other full moon. Thus the average time of the moon's rising is about three quarters of an hour later, on each successive night; but during the harvest moon, when that moon is nearly full, the interval is little more than one quarter of an hour. This, however, is not the place in which to enter at any length into the causes which at this particular season of the year accelerate the rising of the moon; the causes which

"Make her in her path decline

Least from the horizontal line;
As noticed most in autumn eves,
When her expanded face receives
The western sun's departing rays,
And back returns the full-orb'd blaze,
Reflected from her mirror sheen;
And reapers, by her beams serene,
Behold postponed th' approaching night,
And bless the salutary light."

The beautiful and highly beneficial effect which follows from this providential arrangement, namely, the lengthening of the evening light by the welcome appearance of the moon, nearly full, and almost at the same hour for several nights, at a time when the labours of the later harvest most

require such a "useful light," has long caused the harvest moon to be hailed as peculiarly the far

mer's friend.

September has been called "the Italian month" of England; a month abounding in "those de licious autumnal days, when the air, the sky, and the earth seem lulled into a universal calm, softer and milder even than May." "The valleys stand so thick with corn that they laugh and sing." In the north of England there is little or no glean ing; but in the southern counties that patriarchal and most picturesque practice is still in use. "How beautiful, how gentle, how harmonious, how rich! All is beautiful that the eye can see. The herbage preserves all the freshness and verdure of spring;

the world of leaves has lost nothing of its midsummer brightness; the harebell is on the banks, and the woodbine in the hedges; and the low furze which the lambs cropped in the spring, has burst again into its golden blossoms. The air is soft, balmy, and genial; the sky of that softened and delicate blue upon which the eye loves to rest; the blue which gives such relief to the rich beauty of the earth, glowing in the ripe and mellow tints of the most gorgeous of seasons.*" The whole scene is even more enchanting than

"When in the bursting spring-time, or the eye

Of one who haunts the fields, fair visions creep
Beneath the closed lids (afore dull sleep
Dims the quick fancy) of sweet flowers that lie
On grassy banks; oxlip of orient dye,

And palest primrose, and blue violet,
All in their fresh and dewy beauty set,
Pictured within the sense, and will not fly."

The sunny vineyards of Italy and of southern France have often been the subjects of glowing description. It may, however, be questioned whether these "purple gardens of the south" surpass, or even equal, in picturesque beauty an English hop-ground in the month of September. The hop (Humulus) is a native of the east, and grows wild in many parts of Asia. It is chiefly cultivated in England in the counties of Kent, Essex, and Surrey. A perennial-rooted plant, it puts forth an annual climbing stem, flowers in June, and ripens its seeds in September. Tall poles are provided for the support of its climbing stalk; and the "English vineyards," as the hop-fields of our southern counties are sometimes called, exhibiting their profusion of graceful foliage, and of large, rich, floral heads, like fir-cones, may well vie in their luxuriant beauty with the vine-clad plains of Provence or Languedoc.

The month of September is the usual season of hop-gathering; an operation of great interest, and one of which the conclusion is usually celebrated with much merriment and animation. In some districts it is customary, when the gay harvesting is completed, to choose from among those who have been engaged in it some village-maiden to be the hop-queen. She who is elected to this rustic sovereignty is profusely decorated by rich clusters of hop-flowers, and takes the lead in the pastimes which ensue.

The utilitarian spirit of the age in which we live has banished, even from the country, many of the festive usages of our ancestors. The "hopqueen," however, remains a memorial of past times, and of manners, in a great measure, gone by. A popular writert has observed, that we may be permitted to "value every custom which tends to infuse poetical feeling into the mass of the people, and to sweeten and soften the rudeness of rustic manners, without destroying the charm of their simplicity." The usage to which allusion has been made may claim to be regarded as one of those rural amusements of which it may be justly said, that

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which pass their winter with us are beginning to flock in from climates farther north. Of birds which about this time leave our shores, as the nightingale, the black-cap, the chimney-swallow, the white-throat, the wheat-ear, &c., some depart in flocks; while others set forth separately, or in parties of two or three. With regard to the wheat-ear (Saxicolo ananthe), the naturalist of Selborne expresses some doubt as to the fact of its being universally a bird of passage. After citing the words of another accurate observer of nature, who remarks, that "if wheat-ears do not quit England, they certainly shift their places; for about harvest they are not to be found where there was before great plenty for them," Mr. White adds, "This well accounts for the vast quantities that are caught about harvest-time near Lewes, where they are esteemed a delicacy. And, though such multitudes are taken, I never saw (and I am well acquainted with those parts) above two or three at a time; for they are never gregarious. They may, perhaps, migrate in general, and for that purpose draw towards the coast of Sussex in autumn; but that they do not all withdraw, I am sure; because I see a few stragglers in many counties, and at all times of the year, especially about warrens and stonequarries."

The general fact of the migration of birds, formerly a subject of dispute among naturalists, is now established beyond doubt or question. About the middle of the last century, Klein, the German naturalist, advanced the opinion that swallows and other birds do not migrate, but remain torpid during the winter, adding the supposition that during that season they remain under water. This opinion was controverted by an English naturalist, Collinson ;* and also by the celebrated John Hunter, who, having had his attention turned to amination of the organs of respiration in swallows, the subject, satisfied himself, by a careful ex"that they could not remain any time under water without being drowned."

The fact, however, of the migration of swallows is abundantly established by positive testimony. Mr. Collinson, in a letter addressed to Klein, states that he had often heard sir Charles Wager, first lord of the admiralty, relate, that in one of his homeward voyages, in spring, as he came into soundings in the Channel, a great flock of swallows came and settled on his rigging. Every rope was covered: they hung on one another like a swarm of bees: the deck was filled with them. They seemed almost spent and famished, and were little more than feathers and bones; but, being recruited by a night's rest, they took their flight in the morning. Collinson adds, that a similar circumstance had been related to him by the captain of a merchant-vessel, on whose statements he could entirely depend. In reference to the incident above related, Pennant observes that the extreme fatigue of the swallows proves that their journey must have been very long. In all probability they were returning from Senegal, or from some other part of the African coast.

The celebrated naturalist, M. Adanson, who visited Africa for the express purpose of collecting information on the subject of the migration of birds, mentions having seen, on the 6th of Oc* Vide " Philosophical Transactions,” vol, li. (1760).

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