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to his mediate neighbours.
footsteps of his own camels, and of those belonging

of this country. He wrote a tragedy which was the palace of King Frederick, Voltaire had full generally ascertain, from inspecting the impression,
performed at the theatre, and most favourably leisure to prosecute his favourite studies; be 10 what individual of his own, or of some neighbour-
received. The Duke of Orleans took au in-shared in the royal munificence and splendour, to judge whether it was a stranger who passed or a
ing tribe, the footstep belongs, and therefore is able
terest in the author, and obtained his release. and for a short season the name of the palace ap- fiend. He likewise knows, from the slightness or
A poem, which Voltaire wrote soon afterwards peared to him to be realized in its enjoyments, depth of the impression, whether the man who made
was not so successful, owing to the liberality of and he described this scene as fulfiling all his it carried a load or not. From a certain regularity
the sentiments it contained, and its praise of ideas of happiness! But he had yet to experi- of intervals between the steps, a Bedouin can judge
England and our Queen Elizabeth. As he had ence that not even the sunshine of royal favour.
whether that man, whose feet left the impression,
was fatigued or not, as, after fatigue, the pace be-
rendered himself unpopular in Paris, he went the splendour and luxury of a palace, the chosen comes more irregular and the intervals unequal:
to London, where his poem being better suited society of men of genius and learning, nor the hence he can calculate the chance of overtaking the
to our land of liberty than to the then arbitrary influence of his own genius over them, and over man. Besides all this, every Arab knows the printed
government of France, met with a very favour- the taste and opinions of the country and age
able reception and extensive sale, which brought in which he lived, were sufficient to banish care, depth or slightness of the impression whether a
He knows by the
him a considerable sum of money. In the year and to produce solid and lasting happiness. camel was pasturing, and therefore not carrying any
1728, he returned to Paris, and having in- The learned Voltaire sought his happiness in load, or mounted by one person only, or heavily
vested the money he had gained by anthorship earthly things, but was ignorant of "the wisdom loaded. If the marks of the two fore feet appear to
and other means in some prosperons under- that cometh from above," and had no happy had a weak breast, and this serves him as a clue to
be deeper in the sand, be concludes that the camel
takings, he soon acquired a large fortune. experience of the fruit of "the Spirit, which is ascertain the owner. In fact, a Bedouin, from the
Voltaire was now ambitious of becoming a love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, good-impression of a camel's or of his driver's footsteps,
member of the French Academy of Sciences, ness, faith." Instead of humbly endeavouring draws so many conclusions, that he always learns
into which assembly of learned men he was un- as a Christian, to do all things to the glory of in some cases this mode of acquiring knowledge ap-
able to gain admittance on account of his learning GoD, in the prospect of a bright reward and an pears almost supernatural, The Bedouin sagacity
alone, without some interest at court. Violent eternal weight of glory hereafter, he was con- in this respect is wonderful, and becomes particularly
opposition to government, and contemptuous tinually and selfishly toiling to gratify his ap- useful in the pursuit of fugitives, or in searching
abuse of rank and honours, is nothing else at petite for present fame, and his desire for that the footsteps of his camel in a sandy valley, where
after cattle. I have seen a man discover and trace
bottom than envy and disappointed pride. When kind of immortality on earth which belongs to a thousand of other footsteps crossed the road in
Voltaire perceived that his ambition was more celebrated authors, after they have ceased to be every direction; and this person could tell the name
likely to be gratified by gaining the favour of conscious of it, and which they can enjoy only of every one who had passed there in the course of
the King and courtiers, than by attacking the in prospect. For this, he did not scruple to that morning. I myself found it often useful to
government, he changed his tactics. Madame dishonour God and scoff at revelation, that he companions and camels; as from circumstances
know the impressions made by the feet of my own
Pompadour, a woman of infamous character, was might be distinguished among men, by the bold-which inevitably occur in the desert, travellers
at that time a person of great influence at the ness of his infidelity. In this vain pursuit he sometimes are separated from their friends.
dissipated court of Louis XIV. Voltaire had was ever restless and dissatisfied.

the meanness to become her flatterer, and to What is the end of fame? Let the unhappy,
dedicate poems to her, by which dishonourable unbelieving Lord Byron answer from his own
course he glided into the appointments of a gen- experience.
tleman of the bedchamber, and historian to the
King of France.

Voltaire was now in high favour at the court of King Louis XIV. but honours acquired by such means were likely to be short-lived.He had many enemies, who were envious of his fame, and just such measures as he had taken to rise into favour, were employed to accomplish his overthrow. The preference was given to Crebillon, a rival and inferior poet, under circumstances which Voltaire's proud and irritable spirit would not bear, and be resolved to leave the court, but not before he had taken a poet's revenge, by writing three plays on subjects which Crebillon had already chosen. In the opinion of all impartial judges Voltaire's compositions were decidedly the best, and he retired in triumph.

He next received a pressing invitation from Frederick, king of Prussia, who was himself an author and an encourager of learning, to reside at his palace of " Sans Souci." "He consented, and was received in the most flattering and condescending manner by the King, who gave him a handsome pension. It was the pleasure of this monarch to collect around him, at his palace, the most distinguished foreigners, in whose society he used to lay aside his kingly state, and encourage his learned and eminent guests to express their opinions without restraint. In This name may be translated "without care."

'Tis but to fill

A certain portion of uncertain paper;
Some liken it to climbing up a hill,

For this men write, speak, preach, and heroes kill,
Whose summit, like all hills, is lost in vaponr;
And bards burn what they call their midnight taper,
To have, when the original is dust,

A name, a wretched picture, and worse bust.
When ambitious men madly reject the Christian's
motives to duty, such indeed is their only, their
miserable reward.

something concerning the beast or its owner; and

In

passing through dangerous districts, the Bedouin

guides will seldom permit a townsman or stranger every Bedouin who passes will know by the im to walk by the side of his camel. If he wears shoes, pression that some townsman has travelled that way; and, if he walk barefooted, the mark of his step, less full than that of a Bedouin, immediately betrays the foot of a townsman little accustomed to walk. It is therefore to be apprehended that the Bedouins, who regard every townsman as a rich man, might cordingly set out in pursuit of him. A keen Bedouin suppose him loaded with valuable property, and acguide is constantly and exclusively occupied during alights from his camel to acquire certainty respectbis march in examining footsteps, and frequently ing their nature.

[Happy England where no such inhospiWe have seen that when other means failed, table deserts are to be traversed; where a man Voltaire could meanly stoop to dishonourable can travel, either shod or bare-foot, without methods of obtaining distinction. Pride, vanity, the risk of being tracked and pursued by rapaenvy, quick resentment of injuries, the doubt- cious plunderers. I say, again, happy England! ings of unbelief, and conscious guilt, disturbed if thou didst but know how much thou art us repose. A trifling quarrel which he had privileged in a thousand ways, beyond other with Maupertuis, the president of the Berlin nations and regions of the earth. J. N.] Academy, led to a misunderstanding between King Frederick and Voltaire his once distinguished favourite. Like the fabled pleasing enchantments of a fairy palace, the unsatisfying| pleasures of "Sans Souci" quickly vanished, and Voltaire soon stole away from the sadly altered scene, disappointed and sorrowful.

NEHEMIAH.

(To be continued.)

FOOT MARKS OF MAN AND LOWER
ANIMALS.

"The Arab," says Burckhardt, "who has applied himself diligently to the study of footsteps, can

CORRESPONDENCE.

The communication of "An Operative," manifests much good sense and sound principle, but it is too political to be inserted. Let him, as he promises, "have another hit."

Bristol: Printed and Published by J. & W. RICHARDSON, No. 6, Clare-Street, to whose care all communications may be addressed, post paid; also sold by J. NORTON, Corn Street, BARRY, High Street, and J. CHILCOTT, Wine Street; Mrs. BINNS, Bath; Mr. WHITE, Cheltenham; and Mr. BEMROSE, Derby.

Bristol Job Nott;

No. XXXI.]

OR,

LABOURING MAN'S FRIEND.

CLAIMS OF THE TRADES.

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suppose, at this unlooked-for application; but, shall rest our claims singly on the antiquity as the eyes of all were turned upon me, I de- of our trade. Sir, we trace our lineage by a Walking leisurely along Street in a termined to put the best face upon it; and so I distinct, unbroken thread up to Adam, who was musing mood, I suddenly found myself encom- instantly replied, "Indeed, gentlemen, you do the first tailor; for we are distinctly told that passed by a great posse of people-apparently me too much honour; besides I am quite unac- he made his own clothes." Here the orator was operatives, just come from work, going the same customed to preside on such occasions; never- abruptly interrupted by one Box, the gardeners' way, and who by their talk appeared to be theless, I perceive the difficulty in which you delegate, who rose apparently in great agitation, going to attend a trades' meeting, upon some are placed, and if my humble assistance can be reddening like a cabbage rose, and his utterance special business. My curiosity was roused, of any benefit to you, it is much at your service." almost stifled with rage, as if he'd swallowed and I determined to accompany them and see This was followed with great applause, and I an artichoke " Mr. Chairman," says he, "I the result. After walking in the crowd through was instantly called to the chair, by universal can't stand this. The tailors lay claim to our two or three bye lanes, I found myself in a acclamation. Scarcely had I taken my seat, Adam? 'Tisn't to be endured! I tell ye, large room, apparently the club-room of some when some one from the crowd called out, gentlemen, he hasn't a shred of pretence to public house. The room filled rapidly; but "what's the gentleman's name?" to which I such honour. Why, every body knows that what particularly struck me was, that there replied, "My Friend, you should have asked Adam was the first florist and vegetable gardidn't appear to be any two men of precisely that before you put me here; but as you have dener in the world. Adam, in his best days, the same description. They appeared to be thought me worthy of this honour, I beg to was a gardener, Mr. Chairman; if he ever one of a sort. Turning to a man with a leather defer any further explanations till the close of turned tailor, 'twas after he got into disgrace. apron on, who stood near me, I ventured to the meeting, when it will be my duty to sign And I say, sir, that fine clothes never made a ask the meaning of it. "Oh! you be a stranger, the resolutions. Suffice it for the present to man nor a gentleman yet, though it has made zur, be ye?" said the man, "I knowed you say, that the operatives of Bristol have not a many a monkey; and that the fine things what didn't belong to we, but I thought as how you more sincere friend and well-wisher than he people be so fond after, be only a memorial of was a reporter come to put down what we did who now has the honour of addressing you." man's disgrace." Serge rose to reply. "Friends, say." "I am not a professed reporter," said I, (Applause, and cries of "bravo, you looks like I pray you list." (Laughter, mixed with dis "but I am a particular friend to the labouring an honest fellow.) "Now, gentlemen, said the approbation.) Here the chairman rose and said classes, and take a great interest in all that has chairman, (for such I shall henceforth call my- that "he really must beg that each speaker a tendency to their real good." "Oh! well self to avoid the egotism of writing in the first should be heard patiently and attentively, and then," said my informant, "if that be the case, person) let us, if you please, proceed to busi- that there should be no interruptions." why then, zur, you be a gemman, and I wish ness. The object of your meeting is, I under- Peter Pattypan, the pastrycooks' delegate, you good luck! Well then, I must tell you, if stand, to adjust what may be called the Red next claimed a hearing. It was difficult to you don't know, that we all be dellygates-I book of the Bristol Trades; in other words to catch his observations. There was something think they calls us-howsomever we be one of determine, by common consent, what trades shall minced and mealy in his elocution, as if his a trade, sent here by the rest of the same craft take precedence in the ensuing procession, in words melted in his mouth. However, he to settle which on us shall walk foremost in the honour of reform. We are now ready to listen was understood to rest his claims on the fact, percession about the Reform; for you must to the arguments of any of the delegates who that the pastrycooks' works were all sure to know, zur, there have been a great splitting come prepared to advance the pretentions of rise, that therefore he might with truth affirm, about this question; and so after a great deal their respective trades; and I hope and trust their's was "the most rising of all trades." of noise, we've fixed that one of every trade that every gentleman will be listened to with (cries of Ah, Peter, that's a puff!) should come together and talk the matter over, the utmost candour and attention." One Last, a shoemaker, next presented himand they that can make their claim out best Up started a little man with a good deal of self, and said "he hoped to produce more shall have the honour of going first." My in- buckram in him, who was announced by the substantial claims on behalf of his trade than formant had scarcely finished his explanations, clerk as Mr. Sartorius Serge, the representative the pye-crust arguments of the previous speaker. when a person who seemed to act as a sort of of all the tailors. "Mr. Chairman," says Serge, It was quite grown into a proverb, that there secretary, called out "silence, gentlemen! II beg to submit that our craft is justly entitled is nothing like leather, and it had been well have to announce that there is a difficulty in to precedence; for not to urge the universality remarked by a popular modern writer, that shoe the way of our proceedings-we are at a loss of our profession in all civilized society-its leather lies at the base of man's necessities and for a chairman; for as all the delegates are de- comprehensiveness, taking the dimensions of of man's support.'"* Mr. Last was proceeding sirous to press the claims of their respective giants and pigmies-kings and beggars - to enlarge, when up got a little man of wax, trades, no one is willing to take the chair." Here thus grasping at once the sublime and the almost melting with indignation, announced my friend interposed, and cried out, "zur, here profound; not to enlarge on our almost creative himself the delegate of the cobblers, and exbe a gemman here that be no dellygate, and I dare powers, making a man-yes, and a gentleman See Job Nott, No. V. and imagine Job's gratisay he'll be good enough to do the business for us." out of the most despicable materials-not to fication at hearing himself thus quoted with approI was not a little confused, as my readers will dwell on these and a thousand other topics, Ibation, in such an assembly.

Tom Anvil, the smiths' delegate, who had evidently been on the fidget for some time, now broke out and exclaimed, "Mr. Chairman, 'tis to no purpose to listen to the small talk of them there upstart people. I say we be the

men,

"By hammer in hand,

All arts do stand."

claimed, “Mr. Chairman, by your leave, I can't mounted all others, and even occupied the aye;" upon which there was a loud, thundering bear to listen to that there fellow's pretensions. place of the crown on the head of majesty! response "aye;"-"those who are on the conSir, 'tis my business to mend what that man This claim to priority they had always pos- trary side will say no.Gentleman, the vote makes; and I should like to know which is the sessed; but what was now their honourable is unanimous; and I must say it does you homost honourable trade. Why then should shoe position? His bosom heaved with exultation nour thus to yield voluntarily and freely to the makers lord it over shoe menders, as if they when he reflected that it was A HAT that had claims of a meritorious competitor; it is acwere an inferior sort of beings? we can't stand been the means of shielding the head of our be-cording to the Christian rule in honour preno such ristocrat notions under the reform; loved Sovereign from the late treasonable at- ferring one another;' and is alike creditable to why look ye, Sir, they shoe makers bean't tempt." This was followed by a burst of ap- both parties, those who honourably receive and worthy the name of reformers; they be but plause, which lasted several minutes, and the those who nobly confer the distinction-(hear, formers, 'tis we be the re-formers; and yet they speaker sat down, leaving an evident impres- hear.) The second place, gentlemen, may, I look down upon we, and call us 'cobblers'-sion in favour of his claim. think, be with propriety assigned to the hatters Cobblers, indeed! Well, and what, I should Several delegates followed in succession, on this occasion, with special reference to the like to know, is cobbling but re-forming? and founding their respective appeals on various signal benefit which their trade has been so isn't that the most honourable of all trades? rounds; as the tallow chandlers claimed to beg recently the means of conferring on the nation, and so I maintain, Mr. Chairman, that we got the chief illuminati, which was opposed by the by warding off the blow aimed at our gracious a right to walk before they at least. I'm told gas-man, and gave rise to a contest between sovereign; (great applause) and now, gentle'tis so in Flanders,* that there the shoe menders old and new lights. After several other minor men, the two leading trades being fixed, I think walk before the shoe makers, and I say that it pretensions, the cabinet makers put in their the order of succession amongst the rest may ought to be so here." claim, on the ground that their's was a royal be easily settled by a sub-committee on terms trade; for the King was a cabinet maker." of liberal courtesy; I will therefore consider This moved the blood of old Tim Caulker, who that the business of this evening is closed; but not being quite up to the pun, was highly en- before we part, allow me to make a few obserraged, and swelling with indignation, exclaimed vations upon the mutual dependence of all "Cabinet maker? you lying rascal! I'll cap- trades one upon another, and the argument size ye if ye dare say that again; our king a which thence arises for union and concord, and cabinet maker-wasn't he a sailor born and mutual respect and good offices. Whilst some bred? Didn't I sarve under him in the Dread- of you, gentlemen, were disputing one with Talk about Leather? what would ye do, gemmen, nought?" The chairman here interrupted and another for precedence, I could not help reflectwithout iron? How could the plough speed explained to Tim, that it wasn't meant that ing how some of the fiercest antagonists were without iron? or how could the soldier fight the the king made chairs and tables; but that his in fact dependent one upon the other. The battles of old England without iron and steel? Majesty's ministers were called "the cabinet," shipwright for instance owes much to the smith, therefore I claim the foremost place for the Vul- and the king appointed them, and so might be and though the smith cannot work without the can.t-Here was a pause. It seemed as if either jokingly called a cabinet maker. "Oh well," collier, yet neither could the collier work effecthe force of Tom's claim was felt, or the weight says Tim, "if 'tis meant in joke, 'tis all well; tively without the assistance of the smith and the of his arm feared, and no one was prepared to but I be generally in earnest in what I say, pump maker; nor this last-mentioned trade combat his pretensions. At length silence was and so being on my legs, I beg to observe that without the tanner and the smith. The baker broken by Jem Culm, the collier. Says Jem, I have been a ship carpenter all my time, and or pastry-cook could not do without the tin"Why as for that Measter Anvil, your trade latterly I took to ship building; and that I be man; meanwhile the tinman would come badly be very ould, 'tis true; and a main lot o' trades come here to represent the shipwrights; and off if the baker's cart did not stop daily before would look very foolish if you didn't find 'em where's the man that will dare to dispute his door. Our friend the cobbler may have very the nickers; but howsomever, Measter Anvil, against our trade? The wooden walls of Old valid claims to superiority over shoe makers; I thinks as how you must knock under to we— England for ever-huzza! and as for 'tiquity, yet let him remember that there could be no for you know, Tom, as how the vurnace won't han't we got plenty on't? 'Tis very well for cobbling if there were no shoe making; and blast, nor the vorge wont work we-out the coal." tailors and pastrycooks and cabinet makers, in reference to the contest between the tailor -This was followed by considerable applause, and chandlers, and what not, to get up here and the gardener, here we mark a mutual dearising as appeared from a little feeling of and make pretences! but gi' me leave to ax pendence; for whilst Serge supplies Boar with triumph on the part of some of the trades at 'em where their trade was in old Commodore shreds, Box on the other hand supplies Serge seeing "the vulcan" took down a notch or two. Noah's time? Weren't 'em-all on 'em boxed with cabbage. (hear, hear.) In fine, gentlemen, -Tom was preparing to answer, but he was in-up in the Ark what that great old ship master the cabinet maker is dependent upon the smith, terrupted by a cry of "spoke, spoke!" and up built? Aye, and let me ax that little Jemmy the silkman, and the hardwareman; and the got a man of a very different order, quite a Jessamy man, with the white beaver, (though great cabinet maker of all, though above all, is natty little fellow, with a white beaver in his to be sure I honour the trade what made the hat dependent upon all. The peasant is not more hand, which he was twirling and twiddling and that warded off the stone from the king's royal dependent on the king for protection than the smoothing all the time he spoke. His name, head) but I should like to ax he, whether if it king is dependent upon the peasant for the nehe said, was Felt; he was the delegate of the hadn't been for our trade, there would have cessaries of life, as it is said in scripture 'the hatters, "and never did he announce his con- been any hatters to make hats, or any kings to king himself is served of the field.' Let us nexion with that honourable company with wear 'em?" Tim's speech was received with un- then act upon the principle of mutual help and more exultation. They had always possessed bounded applause, and there was a very general mutual subserviency; let the little wheels in the very exalted claims to precedence amongst cry" the shipwrights have it." "The wooden great machine of society be contented to do their brother tradesmen, as their craft sur- walls of Old England for ever!" their work and make their little revolutions, The Chairman.-"Gentlemen, there seems to though their movements may not be so noisy, nor be a very general feeling in the meeting in fa- so grand, nor attract so much attention as those vour of the shipwrights; but I wish to put the of the great fly wheel; they are equally neThe smiths are a most useful and ancient fra- question fairly-is it your opinion that the cessary to the integrity of the machine and ternity; but 'tis a pity they should pay honour to a heathen deity, Vulcan. Tubal Cain is their true claim of the shipwrights to precedence is made equally useful in their place, but not out of it. out? as many as are of this opinion will say Let the lower and inferior members of the

*Job happens to know this story, and intends to give it in a future number.

patron. Gen. iv. 22.

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We now come to the last public act of Voltaire's life, the following description of which is given by his French biographer.

"Meanwhile a secret desire, which was only

increased by time, recalled Voltaire to the former scene of his labours and his glory. Surrounded by visitors from all parts of Europe who came to do him homage, he felt nevertheless a craving desire Feruey, in the middle of winter, at the age of eightyto receive the homage of Paris. He left his seat at four, and arrived alone in the capital.

Most of his enemies were.

body perform their office without envying the bility, and envy, which made him every where bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and higher and nobler- let not the foot say be- unhappy? though I give my body to be burned, and have cause I am not the hand I am not of the body.' Voltaire had now reached his sixty-first year. not charity, it profiteth me nothing." VolOn the other hand, let not the nobler members He was more wealthy and independent than taire, therefore, might have given all his wealth despise the inferior, for the eye cannot say to ever. At Ferney, he was visited by some of to feed the poor, and his body to be burned, the band I have no need of thee, nor again the the most illustrious men of the age. The (instead of the protestant Calas, whom he was head to the feet I have no need of you.' Empress Catherine of Russia sent ambassadors unable to save from being burned as a heretic Divine Providence has wonderfully compacted with presents, to do him honour. He was in by the Roman catholics,), and yet be nothing society together, like a great machine composed correspondence with several crowned heads, the better. But further, Voltaire's character of an infinite number of wheels and springs, some and with the most learned men of Europe. In was, in many respects, the very opposite of large some small, some high some low, but all this manner he spent the remaining twenty- the true charity described in the verses which most valuable and important whilst moving in three years of his life, during which he com- follow-" charity suffereth long and is kind; proper place, but only producing confusion posed the greater part of his numerous works, charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, when any one deserts its place or usurps the amounting in all to sixty volumes. As in the is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unplace of another. Let it then be our care to case of Paine, an unusually long space was seemly; seeketh not her own, is not easily proknow the place which Providence assigns us, granted to him for repentance, and even in old voked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniand to endeavour to do our duty in that state age he retained his faculties in great vigour quity, but rejoiceth in the TRUTH; beareth of life to which it has pleased God to call us.' and "spread himself like a green bay tree.' all things, believeth all things." This address was received with immense ap- Voltaire was the avowed enemy of restraint plause. "Now, Mr. Chairman," cried a voice from and persecution, both civil and ecclesiastical, the crowd, "may we know what is your name?" and at this time he became the strenuous de"My name?" replied the chairman, why I fender of some protestant families, who were never was ashamed of my name yet, and I hope unjustly persecuted for their faith, by the I never shall be-if you must know then, my bigotted priesthood of the church of Rome. name is JOB NOTT, the Labouring Man's Friend." It seems strange to see this bitter enemy of the [tremendous cheering, accompanied with a cry christian religion, defending believers in its of chair him, chair him.] Methought they had doctrines, against the cruel persecution of a actually laid hold of me to bear me off by force; corrupt and intolerant church. Could his and I was in the act of crying out against it; motive be, love to the Saviour? Impossible. "Paris was greatly changed since the time when when I AWOKE, and found that the hands that Voltaire had himself displayed the same perse- Voltaire left it, disgusted at the insult which had had siezed me were no other than the kind, cuting spirit throughout his long life, in the minds a different direction. One generation had been cast upon him. Thirty years had given men's gentle hands of Mrs. Nott, who, coming to say severity and profaneness of his writings against disappeared, another had arisen instructed by the that tea was ready, found me in my easy chair, religion and its professors. His hatred and writings of Voltaire, imbued with his principles, fast asleep, with the newspaper containing an opposition to the christian religion, and his adoring his genius. account of the trades' procession open before me. hatred and opposition to bigotted persecution dead; long absence had cooled the enmity of "My dear," says Mrs. Nott, "how sound you've in support of that corrupt form of christianity; public opinion. The encyclopædists, so long kept others; the rest were silenced by the power of been sleeping, and I do think you've been which was established in his own country, had under, now swayed public opinion, and that powerdreaming, for you moaned dreadfully and talked the same origin. He defended the protestant, ful sect prostrated itself before the glory of Volso in your sleep!" "Oh dear," said I, rubbing my because he loved to oppose the Roman catholic taire, who, without holding all their doctrines, was eyes, "then 'tis all a dream sure enough!-but church. Thus we see the modern infidels of ceived in the capital in triumph All the honours never mind, dame, 'tisn't all lost time, 'twill France arrayed in successful opposition to the that mortal could desire were heaped upon him. In turn to good account; for I was sadly at a loss church of Rome; but the modern infidels of the streets, the multitude pressed upon his steps, for a leader for next number, and my dream England uniting with Roman catholics to rending the air with their shouts. will supply one." oppose and subvert the protestant church of were continually crowded. The nobles, the ministers England, and demanding from our most tolerant were presented to him. By direction of the French of state, even some of the Roman catholic bishops national church farther concessions in behalf academy, one of his own tragedies was performed of that which has ever been the most bigotted at the theatre. Voltaire came; as he entered, the and persecuting, because both infidel and whole assembly rose and hailed him with enthusiRoman catholic agree in their enmity to the astic applause; a crown was placed on the head of pure doctrines of the bible. Voltaire's strenu-formances, his statue was adorned with laurel by the old man of eighty-four. Between the two perous opposition, in several instances, to the the actors amid the rapturous applause of the enpersecution of protestants by the church of chanted audience. This night Voltaire received the Voltaire had already quitted the court of the Rome, had an air of generosity which probably reward of the labour and conflicts of sixty years, endured king of France and the palace of the king of deceived himself into the belief that he was in the cause of humanity.” Prussia in disgust. He next retired to Geneva, actuated by purer motives, as it has drawn Such is the high sounding strain, in which and several years afterwards, having acquired a forth the loudest praises of his undiscrimi- this French infidel biographer describes the princely fortune, we find him living sometimes nating admirers. His occasional bounty has last public event of the life of Voltaire, whose at his castle of Ferney, on the borders of also been praised in such terms as to make it pen, never perhaps wrote a severer satire on France, and sometimes at Delices, near Geneva, appear that the giving a little from his abund- the vanities and follies of mankind, than is and a few miles distant from Ferney. Expe- ance to relieve the bodily wants of a few poor contained in the passage above quoted. The rience seems to have made him distrustful. individuals, might compensate for his endeav- old man of eighty-four, already trembling on "He wished," he said, "to have a place of ours to ruin innumerable souls for ever! the brink of the grave, not content with his refuge in Geneva, from the intrigues and perse- Weighed in the balance of the sanctuary such splendid retreat at the castle of Ferney, and the cutions of France, and in France, from the false charity is found wanting. 'Charity," or homage which was paid to him there, must needs intrigues and persecutions of Geneva." But" love to God and man," does not consist in risk his life by travelling to Paris in the middle where could this irreligious man find a refuge the mere giving of alms, for the word of God of winter, to gratify his craving desire, to from himself; from the unbelief, pride, irrita- teaches, (1 Corinthians c. xiii.) "Though I receive the homage of that capital: He had lived

So as soon as I had got a cup of Mrs. N.'s best hyson, whilst the impressions were fresh on my mind, I sat down and wrote 'em out.

THE LIFE OF VOLTAIRE.
[Continued.]

66

their avowed friend and defender. He was re

His levees

appearance of the promised periodical, to be that the special licence for talking and walking
issued by the Society for promoting Christian refers also to Saturday evening; in fine, that
Knowledge, not without a hope that its cha- the perusal of "the Saturday Magazine" is re-
racter might be such, as altogether to relieve commended to form a part of the Saturday's
them from the necessity of prosecuting their employment; and that it is the earnest desire
onerous undertaking.
of the conductors of the paper, (as it surely
must be that of their venerable employers)
that the Holy Sabbath should not be polluted
with any thing of a worldly nature. Some
such explanations as these are indispensibly
necessary to allay the anxieties of the serious
part of the community, and to prevent those of
an opposite character from wresting this indis-
tinct and inadvertent paragraph, to sanction
unhallowed practices. It might be well also
"One way or another we hope to be popular in
this magazine, which comes out at the end of the if the editor would satisfy the mind of the
week, when most men have a pause from labour. public, that this valuable Magazine, though
We are not for interfering with the family talk or published on Saturday, will not be transmitted
the friendly walk, much less with religions duties to distant parts, so as to reach its destination on
or the study of the Bible-and we trust every one
of our readers has one. After all these good things Sunday, and thus seem to countenance the
are done and served, there will be plenty of time noxious practices of the Suuday newspaper
for perusing these few little pages; and the reader venders.
shall never find, in any one of them, a line which
ment and the happiness of any member of his
shall be contrary in its tendency to the improve-

family."

to see one generation die around him, and the seeds of infidelity, which he had been busily sowing for many years, had taken root and sprung up with the living generation; many of whom were imbued with his pernicious principles. The wide and active dissemination of infidelity among the French by Voltaire and They consequently perused the first number the encyclopædists, a sect which acknowledged of the Saturday Magazine with avidity, and him as their infidel head, contributed, in a great with no small satisfaction as relates to its gedegree, to bring about the French Revolution, neral contents; but there is one paragraph in and the bloody horrors of the reign of terror the introduction, (and which has also been which followed. The robber, the murderer, transcribed into the Society's circular) which and the cruel tyrant are harmless foes to society, very materially abates this gratification; the compared with such men as Voltaire and his paragraph alluded to is as follows:infidel associates. Death deprives the former of their power to do evil. But the infidel's works spread his pernicious doctrines, long after the grave has closed over his earthly remains. Voltaire's writings were instrumental in causing the horrors of the French revolution, the shutting up of the churches, the abolition of the Sabbath, and every kind of atrocity, bloodshed, and crime, fifteen years after he had gone to his last dreadful account; RACE AGAINST TIME. and to this day every successive generation of (From a Correspondent.) his countrymen have been infected by the deadly Some time about the year 1701-2, a worthy poison. Upwards of 100,000 copies of his entire Now Job Nott and his coadjutors feel that Squire in the county of Somerset, mounted his works of sixty volumes have been circulated this paragraph is fearfully liable to miscon- sure-footed mare, took his fair daughter beduring the last ten or twelve years, besides a struction; as if it were designed, that this publi- hind him on a pillion, and set forward on a far greater number of copies of favourite por- cation should be virtually a Sunday paper, and journey to London, to see Queen Anne crowned. tions of his writings, which are in the hands of that thus the high sanction of the Society for By dint of forced marches, the travellers all ranks of the people, and much more ex-promoting Christian Knowledge, might be reached the metropolis on the fifth day, being tensively read and circulated in France than pleaded in justification of the desecration of one day too late for the Coronation! I don't the bible. Hence, the irreligious, grossly im- the Lord's day, by the application of a consi- know what this worthy Squire would say if he moral, and revolutionary character of the French, derable portion of its sacred hours, to reading were alive now, and were to be hurried over and especially the people of Paris, is, in a of a merely literary and entertaining nature; the same ground in a stage coach in about great measure, owing to the writings of Voltaire. not to urge the questionable tendency of the twelve hours, to say nothing of steam conveyThe aged Voltaire, on his arrival in Paris, special reserve in favour of "family talk," and ance at the rate of twenty-five miles an hour! was greeted by the shouts of the fickle the "friendly walk," so consonant to the tone These are great improvements, Mr. Nott. I populace, who one day cry for a republic, of worldly minds, and so likely to be inter- wish with all my heart, we had as far outanother day for an Emperor; who one day preted by them, into a complete toleration of stripped our forefathers in all honourable and drag the chariot of their conquering Hero, and Sabbath dissipation. useful pursuits as we have in the arts of traanother day pelt him like a malefactor in the That it cannot be the intention of the Soci- velling. But I fear that in some respects we pillory; who one day shout for their patriot ety thus to lower the standard of Sabbath ob- are making more haste than good speed; and King and Queen, and another day follow them servance we are sure-Indeed it would be that that jaded hack called intellect, being with hisses and groans. Of the multitude quite incompatible with the general tone of the goaded into madness, has run away with us; that pressed upon his steps, and the nobles work itself. That the editor (whoever he may and, like John Gilpin's horse, is carrying us who thronged his levee, many were soon after-be) could have so far forgotten himself, as wil- farther than we intended in the race of innowards to lose their rank and fortunes, or to fully to make the Society's paper the organ of vation. May we, like that worthy citizen, come stain those very streets with their blood, in the such lax sentiments, we are quite unwilling to back safe at last! revolution, in producing which Voltaire was believe; and therefore we must conclude that an efficient instrument. the views which have been suggested to our The people of Paris gave a crown that minds by the perusal of this paragraph, are not Job Nott is happy to learn from the publisher should wither in a night, to the man who had designed to be conveyed by it. Nevertheless, that the demand for the back numbers of this laboured to rob them and their children of "a we can assure the editor, that we are not sin- paper has increased. Still further to promote crown of glory that fadeth not away, eternal in gular in our apprehensions of the danger of their circulation with a view to utility, which is the heavens." But woe unto him by whom such a construction being put upon his lan- his sole object, he begs to state that henceforth these offences came. "It would have been guage; and we tremble at the consequences the numbers will be supplied at the rate of 88. better for him that a millstone had been hanged should the mistake be generally made. We 100 to any person purchasing, at one time, about his neck, and he cast into the sea." therefore earnestly entreat him to seize the not less than 50 numbers assorted. (Luke c. 17.) earliest opportunity of explaining-that the "pause from labour," which he says most men" enjoy at the end of the week, relates to the repose of Saturday evening; that the bible reading and devotions particularly referred to, Job Nott and his coadjutors have been look-are supposed to take place on the same evening forward with earnest expectation to the ing, as a preparation for the holy rest; and

(To be concluded in the next number.) THE SATURDAY MAGAZINE.

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A CARD.

Bristol: Printed and Published by J. & W. RICHARDSON, No. 6, Clare-Street, to whose care all communications may be addressed, post paid; also sold by J. NORTON, Corn Street, BARRY, High Street, and J. CHILCOTT, Wine Street; Mrs. BINNS, Bath; Mr. WHITE, Cheltenham; Mr. BEMROSE, Derby; and Messrs. HAMILTON, ADAMS, & Co. Paternoster Row, London.

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