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seems to have been most indefensible; because, when the House of Lords, about the close of the last century, was pleased to order such an account to be laid before them, the production of it proved not only the integrity, but the extreme honour and ability, of the Right Reverend and other Governors in the management of that well-meant, though inefficient fund.

I have heard that a Member of the House of Commons has been collecting information whereon to found an inquiry in that Honourable House, on this subject of Briefs. As his attention has been turned towards it for some time, I hope that the day is not far distant, when the hands of the humane and charitable may not be checked in the kind distribution of their Christian beneficence, by a suspicion that one half of their contributions to Briefs are exhausted in receipt and remittance of the other half to the distressed objects of their charity.

Yours, &c.

K. L. M.

The Path of the Just. A sacred Essay. "The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." Prov. iv. 18.

F all the numerous beauties pe

son of instruction, and with what forcible effect does it impress on our minds the leading circumstance that lesson is calculated and designed to convey and elucidate, viz. the gradual improvement of the human character under the influence and operation of divine grace, a principle essentially necessary to its ultimate perfection!

And first: For the exact allusion and strict analogy of the imagery employed in the passage under our consideration, we need only appeal to any one who has attentively watched the gradual progress of a summer morning, from the first streaks of dawning lustre, which in our own climate faintly irradiate the Northern region of the heavens, even at the season of midnight, to the increasing lustre of the North-eastern quarter till the rising of the sun; and has further traced the progress of that unrivalled luminary, struggling, as he often appears to do, to penetrate the congregated mists and vapours which for a while seem to defy his power, and shed a chilly damp to check the beneficial influence of his early beams. How irresistibly does the potent energy and ardent glow of his increasing strength at length overpower all their accumulated opposition, breaking through the temporary

Of all Dune ruribus volume veil they at first interposed, as he

of Divine Revelation, there is none which perhaps more strongly challenges our attention, than the accuracy of allusion and strict analogy of the metaphors with which it abounds, to the great and essential truths they are intended to convey. Employed under the guidance of Infiuite Wisdom to inculcate and enforce doctrines of the highest importance both for the glory of God and the best interests of his rational and intelligent offspring, their close resemblance to the several objects with which for this purpose they are associated, is generally exact in all its bearings, and remarkable not merely for some points of casual coincidence, but for consistency in every part. Of the truth of this observation, the passage before us assuredly exhibits a striking confirmation. With what strength of imagery does it paint the glorious natural object, selected in the instance before us, for the medium of accomplishing its les

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advances in plenitude of splendour towards his meridian altitude!

Secondly, To be convinced of the full effect, with which the metaphor employed on the present occasion is calculated to impress on the attentive reader, the leading circumstance which it is the more immediate object of the Scripture here selected to enforce and elucidate; let us consider the degrees of imperfection inherent in the best of men.

What a strong resemblance do these bear to the mists and vapours of the early morning; and how much do they frequently, in the outset of the Christian's career, obscure the clear display of those excellencies which should adorn bis character! Yet how does that character, if genuine, break through the veil of errors and failings that at first obstructed the effulgence of his example! how does it shine with increasing power at every stage of its advancement, and

prepare

prepare the happy subject of its beneficial efficacy for those regions of pure and celestial joy, where "they that be wise shall shine as the bright ness of the firmament, and they that (by the power of their good example) turn many to righteousness, as the stars for ever and ever!" How earn estly then should we, who possess the advantages of divine knowledge af forded by the Scriptures, pray that "God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, may shine into our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ, so aptly styled in the metaphoric language of the Bible the Sun of righteousness; and that, rejoicing in this light, as it becometh Christians to do, we may be enabled by its aid to advance in the path of holiness and virtue, from strength to strength, here below, so as finally to rise from glory to glory in that city which hath no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it; for the glory of God doth lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.

M. CHAMBERLIN.
Blandford, Sept. 18.

Let us consider of the means of making two blades of grass or two grains of corn, grow where but one grew before."-Lord Bacon. Mr. URBAN,

to eight pounds per acre, as many who pursue obsolete and erroneous systems find it to pay but 20s. or 30s.; and as the necessities of the State cannot well diminish the burdens of the farmers, and as consumers cannot pay much higher prices, the only practical alternative is to increase the produce of the land by improved modes of cultivation.

Such is the appeal of common sense to the patriotism and loyalty of the country; and the mode of answering that appeal is to meet the exigeney of the case, by augmenting by every means the knowledge of the practical farmer. How is this to be done? Will they attend Lectures on Agriculture? No! If lecturers were to preach with religious fervour in every village in the empire, they would be treated as theorists and visionaries, and be neglected and despised. Will they read the Reports of the Board? No-seventy volumes of detailed facts are beyond the patience of most men, and wholly repulsive to those whose literature seldom extends beyond the Provincial Paper, or their Bible and Prayer-book! What then is the means by which this great purpose is to be achieved?

I conceive success would be rendered certain by the general introduction to every farmer's fire-side of that practical volume, Young's "Farmer's Calendar ;" a book which Tobject of this letter, particularly teaches whatever ought to be known,

of

Dec. 10.

importance of the

at a crisis when the adjustment of the most delicate interests depends on the increase of the produce of the soil, will, I trust, be considered as a sufficient apology for imposing on your Readers the trouble of perusing it. It is too well known that, in spite every exertion of the Board, and of the various local Societies for promoting Agricultural improvements, the force of custom and prejudice has hitherto counteracted those exertions; and the introduction of better systems appears to depend on the more exten. sive diffusion of knowledge, which must result from the circulation of books and the gradual conviction of experience.

At the same time, it is deeply to be lamented that the Scottish Farmer, by applying all the aids of art, and even many English Farmers who have adopted the best modern practices, find it as easy to pay from five to

while it neither proses nor dilates so as to perplex or weary its readers. Following the succession of business month by month, and describing the operations of each period, according to the best practical systems, it does not offend the unlettered reader by its systematic arrangements or logi cal subdivisions, but treats on every thing that is to be done on every kind of farm and soil, plainly, intelligibly, and practically.

Mr. Young, as is well known, has devoted a long and very active life to the perfection of this volume; and his opportunities in travel, as Secre tary of the Board, and as the personal acquaintance of every improving farmer in the empire, have never been exceeded, and perhaps never can be equalled by any man. His book is therefore all that can be desired as a manual of improved practice, while, as a composition, it is of all others,

in its form and manner, the best adapted to the purpose of spreading that information which affords the only chance of enabling the farmer and the country at large to triumph over the difficulties of the times.

Farmers who value their own in terests will of course not fail to possess themselves of so desirable a treasure; but it is incumbent on all great landholders and their stewards to give every possible currency to the volume, by a gratuitous distribution at rent-day, the returns to which it would be the most certain means of augmenting, with increased profit and facility to the tenantry.

Yours, &c.

CLERICUS.

rather of a merryish disposition, and he said, I would have you to come on such a day for it; the Justice will be from home, and I will ride with you in it to Huddersfield; and accordingly I did; and

we both got into the coach. A man who the fore-horse, with a short pipe in his was rather short of understanding rode mouth, and without a hat. We had a pick-ax on one side of the coach, and a spade on the other. Lest they should mention any duty to us, we meant to say we were removing tools for the use of the turnpike road. We drove to the best Inn in Huddersfield. We had plenty of company, as very few coaches passed in that quarter, and particularly in the situation we were tackled in. Then we proceeded home to Lepton; and the Sunday following yoked six cart-horses to the coach, and told my wife she should ride in a coach and six of her own; though her relations reflected on her marriage, yet she had risen to a greater pitch than any of her generation before her. The late Sir John Kay lived at Grange-hall, about a mile off us; he being a good-natured gentleman, and often being free in talking to me, I sent to let him know that I and my lady were going an airing on to Grange Moor, with my coach and six, and would be glad if he would accompany us with his chaise. Sir John was very much diverted with the joke. A few days after I said to my lady, if we continue this equipage, weshall

A Letter from John Metcalf, the exExtraordinary Blind Man at Spofforth, in Yorkshire. (See Vol. LXXX. p. 597.) : SIR, Spofforth, Nov. 15, 1794. ASK pardon for the freedom of this, which is to acquaint you that since You saw me, I have recollected something that happened in my former pas sage of life. In the year 1760, I agreed to make between 20 and 30 miles of turnpike road leading from Wakefield to Manchester. The Trustees were very anxious to have it speedily done; so I was obliged to employ about four hundred men. I had them in five companies; each company a few miles distant from each other. I stationed myself and family, with a number of horses and carts, at a place called Lepton, near the road side, about five miles East of Huddersfield, and eight West of Wakefield. I frequently went to the present Colonel Ratclif's. He was Captain then of a Company in, the Militia, he being one of the principal commissioners and subscribers to the turnpike road, One time I found a coach standing in the Court: I asked the reason of its standing there he told d me, he had been building a new Hall, but had got up no out-buildings; besides, he said, he had no occasion for it, though it cost his father a hundred guineas. I told him, as he had no lady, I would buy it of him for my lady. After a good many words betwixt us, I agreed for it for four gui-point out no method nor measure how it neas, though it was worth four or five times the money. Colonel Ratclif was Justice of Peace then; his clerk was

*Metcalf must have dictated this to some familiar friend. An account of him

was compiled by the late George Allan, esq. F.S.A.; and sold at Harrogate.

want new liveries for servants, and new harness for six horses: so I put my former intention into execution, which was to pull the coach in pieces, and take off the leather and iron for proper use, and put the wheels on to two little carts. I can't say but it caused rather a flatness in my lady, to see her splendid if I should be so fortunate as you would equipage so suddenly demolished. So, be pleased to rectify the forementioned book, this matter might be put in if you think it of any signification; but I leave every thing to your taste, whether to add or diminish in every matter: though it is all fact, yet the eye will want to be pleased; but if time will not permit, or any other matter should invade to prevent this weighty matter from being done, I should be obliged to endeavour to apply to some inferior person, who would want a sum of money. I can

should be done; so it is most probable they would be more anxious to receive the money, than do it perfectly: there fore I shall think it a great happiness, if I shall not have to make use of other people; but if this should meet with success, it perhaps might be as proper to get

get it printed at Richmond, or in that neighbourhood, as at any other place, if a reasonable person could be met with; but, for encouragement of the same, I should send 20 guineas to buy paper with as soon as the book was ready. But 20 guineas, I think, will not be sufficient to buy paper enough. By what inquiry I hear of this book, I think it might not be amiss to print 3000 at the first; so, if the book get finished, I think it would be best to buy paper, and agree with the printer for his trouble. From your humble Petitioner,

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JOHN METCale.

P. S. Our name came by a noble, vigorous action in former times. It is supposed England was almost covered with wood, and a great many wild creatures in the wood; and what men there were, were without name; but two being together, they saw a red four-footed creature; they could not imagine what it was: one said, Have you not heard of lions being in these woods?' He answered he had, but newer had seen any such thing.". So they conjectured that that was one which they saw. The creature advanced a few paces towards them. The one ran away; the other determined to meet it. This happened to be a red calf. So he that met it got the name Metcalf; and he that ran away got the name of Lightfoot.

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An Epitaph upon the Grave-stone of
JOHN METCALF, alias BLIND JACK, in
Spofforth Church-yard, (between Wi-
therby and Harrogate, co. York,) who
was buried there April 26, 1810, in the
93d year of his age,

Here lies John Metcalfe; one whose in-
fant sight
[night:
Felt the dark pressure of an endless
Yet such the fervour of his dauntless

gan,

4

mind, [fin'd, His limbs full strung, his spirit unconThat, long ere yet life's bolder years be[man: His sightless efforts mark'd the aspiring Nor mark'd in vain; high deeds his manhood dar'd, [shar'd. And commerce, travel, both his ardour "Twas his a guide's unerring aid to lend, O'er trackless wastes to bid new roads extend;

And when Rebellion rear'd her giant size, 'Twas his to burn with patriot enterprize,

I

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Mr. URBAN, Hackney, Dec. 5. CANNOT enter fully into the views promulgated in page 438, in an extract" from a London Newspaper." I do feel, in common with all your Readers, the lamentable state of those unfortunate persons who are in slavery on the coast of Barbary; but permit me to ask, is Great Britain to be the Knight Errant of the World and for all Europe? and are there not the ports of Carthagena, Toulon, Genoa, Leghorn, Naples, &c. of sufficient magnitude to furnish vessels to protect their own subjects from these Barbarians? I beg to ask, are there any Englishmen in slavery? If there are, the British Navy can fur nish Blakes to execute that brave Commander's threats. I would also beg leave to lead your Readers' attention to the transactions of late in Spain, where the blood of British heroes spilt in her cause, has not disappeared from the surface of their ground, and yet the "beloved Ferdinand" and his ministers have forgotten the circumstance; those shornscull gentry who wear cowls have said the English are all hereticks, and ought to be d- d. It has been also said (and nothing more frequent) "that England fought her own battles on Spanish ground." In addition to this liberal observation, permit me to add, that, unless the whole Continent had had a most woeful squeeze, they never would have come "to the It is not the right about face.". love for England, but the dreadful ne cessities that they were reduced to by that miscreant Nicholas Buonaparle (for that is his real name), that have produced such pleasing events. Britain is envied, but not loved: and happy is it for John Bull that he is not to be pitied.

Britannia, seated on the rock of a glorious constitution, surrounded with her iron-bound shores, viewed with calmness the convulsions of Europe, became the rallying point for every but was not a listless spectator; she thing great and noble. There is to be a period to her efforts she cannot for ever be a [weal. nursing mother" to every State, to take them on her lap and feed them with a spoon-to some she affords money to others creditto others the blood of her citizensand the right hand of fellowship to

For parting wife and babes one pang to 'feel,

Then welcome danger for his country's Reader: like him exert thy utmost talent given !

Reader like him adore, the bounteous hand of Heaven!

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all:

all: “but what thank have ye for these things?"

Do not therefore let us contrive to propose duties on ourselves; but let those Powers who feel the smart apply the remedy. Neither let us impose heavier duties on our Plenipotentiary at the Congress, than he has to accomplish already. I only wish that under the same table where he places his knees, there may be found those whose views and instructions are as liberal as his own; if so, a happy conclusion may be hoped for.

One word more, Mr. Urban: the daily papers frequently hint that Nicholas wishes much to settle in this country-settle in England! what a disgrace to it! Never let such an event paralyze our feelings: but rather let us dwell on the sentence expressed by the amiable Alexander when he landed at Dover, "Now (says he) I set my foot on the land that has saved us all." Yours, &c.

Mr. URBAN,

ONE

T. W.

Dec. 21.

NE of your Correspondents has justly observed, that a Magazine should be considered as a farrago of quicquid agunt homines; and as your valuable and long-established publication has an extensive circulation, not only amongst antiquaries, philosophers, and divines, but also amongst land-holders, land-occupiers, and merchants, I trust you will not consider the following observations upon the present temper of a very important and numerous class of our fellow-subjects, as foreign to the general purposes of your excellent Miscellany.

The blessings of a general peace seem to have created much greater alarm in all the rural districts of the country, than was ever occasioned by the evils of war: to so great a height indeed is this feeling carried, that, upon my lately conveying to a neigh bouring farmer the intelligence of the pacification with America, he exclaimed, with evident terror of mind, "Then we are completely ruined!"

The explanation of this seeming paradox is easily found in the present depressed price of the grower's produce, whilst his expences remain stationary; but should it not be recollected, that there was a time, when the contrary was the state of the case,

1

when the prices of corn were exorbitant, whilst all the other objects of commerce were comparatively low. it may be said, the merchant and tradesman were ready enough to follow the example set them by the agriculturist; but ought not this very reasoning to convince the latter, that the same effect will again be produced by the same cause? The simple truth is, that the relative value of things must obtain their usual proportions; it may not be effected all at once, but it must happen.

I have been led into this train of reasoning, not only by the almost general despair of my agricultural neighbours, but by the remedies that have been proposed to alleviate the pressure of the present evil. One set of politicians propose, that a stop should be put to all importation till the price of corn is advanced so as to afford the grower what he is pleased to consider an adequate compensation for his labour, risk, and capital. Another set of men deprecate the total extinction of the Income-tax; but conceive that the land should be exempt from its operation, and the deficit supplied by increased taxation upon the mercantile and monied men: whilst a third set, in the ardour of their patriotism, modestly suggest, that the farmer may be saved from the ruin that threatens him, by the suppression of tithes! Now, Mr. Urban, I trust I shall not intrude too much upon the columns of your Magazine, if I offer a few remarks upon each of these proposed remedies; and first upon the proposal for preventing or limiting importation.

Let us inquire, Sir, in what the preventing the free importation of corn differs from affixing a minimum to its price? and granting for a moment, that a minimum in the price is essential to the interests of the grower, is not a maximum equally essential to the interests of the consumer? But would any of the great land-holders, or the still greater land-occupiers, consent to such an arrangement? That they would not, is certain: then why should they raise this immediate clamour for corn-bills, and other restrictions upon the importation of foreign corn? Are all classes to be sacrificed to one, and is the landed the only interest worthy consideration? Have not the farmers had ample means of en

riching

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