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coming into the hall, and approaching | they did little or nothing more than the Pacha, whispered something in what was done every day, in the his ear; and we observed that all the countries where they resided. Action, answer he received from him was a as a system of indication, was familiar slight horizontal motion with his hand; to the spectators; and though calcuafter which, the Vizier, instantly re-lated to excite their curiosity and atsuming an agreeable smile, continued the conversation for some time longer. We then left the hall of audience, and came to the foot of the great staircase, where we remounted our horses; here, nine heads cut off, and placed in a row on the outside of the first gate, completely explained the SIGN which the Vizier had made use of in our presence."-Vol I. page 30.

These extracts prove, that not only in private and domestic concerns, but also in those of public importance, on occasions of life or death, inferiors in the East do actually “look to the hands of their superiors," and receive orders from them. The Orientals have even a kind of language for the fingers, and, by various positions of them, they give silent orders to their domestics, who are watching to receive them.

But this article has an aspect still more important, on a usage frequently alluded to in scripture, and regarded as nothing uncommon, although it appears strange to us. No account of any such attendants on the court of Judea, as dumb men, or mutes, occurs in scripture, but it is certain that the Grand Seignior has a number of such persons; who," says Knolles, p. 1487. "will understand any thing that shall be acted unto them by signs and gestures; and will themselves, by the gestures of their eyes, bodies, hands, and feet, deliver matters of great difficulty, to the great admiration of strangers."

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From these and similar accounts, taken together, it may be inferred, that language by signs forms a common and ordinary manner of directing in the East; that the most difficult matters are thus related; and very probably by means of the mutes, (in the Turkish Seraglio, especially,) matters not always of the most agreeable nature, are communicated to personages whom they immediately concern, although they fill the most important stations.

The result of the whole is, that when the Prophets under the Old Testament, were divinely directed to ACT a portion of the information they had in charge to communicate to the people,

tention, yet it was not, by its novelty and singularity, either beyond their understanding, or beside their application of it to themselves, or to circumstances; nor did it seem crazy to them, as it might to us, who are not accustomed to such a mode of communicating ideas.

When Isaiah says, he and his children are for signs;-when Jeremiah found his girdle marred, as a sign;when Ezekiel was a sign to the people, in not mourning for the dead, chap. xx. iv. in his removing into captivity, and digging through the wall, chap. xii.-these and similar actions, were not only well understood, but they had the advantage of being in ordinary use among the people to whom they were addressed.-Calmet's Dictionary of the Bible, Fragments first Hundred, No. XXIX.

ANSWER TO A QUERY.

IN our Number for September, col. 669, a question was inserted, to which we flatter ourselves the following reply will be deemed satisfactory.

MR. EDITOR,

IF you think the following letter writ-
ten by Dr. Johnson, which contains an
account of the Authors of the different
parts of the Ancient Universal History,
worthy of insertion in the Imperial
Magazine, it is at your service.
I am, yours, &c.

Hebden Bridge, near
Halifax.

W. V.

A Letter from Dr. Johnson, dated
Dec. 6th, 1784.

"The late learned Mr. Swinton of
Oxford, having one day remarked,
that one man (meaning, I suppose, no
man but himself) could assign all the
parts of the Ancient Universal His-
tory to their proper Authors; at the
request of Sir Robt. Chambers,
or of
myself, gave the account which, I now
transmit to you in his own hand, being
willing that of so great a work the
history should be known, and that
each writer should receive his due
proportion of praise from posterity.

I recommend to you to preserve this | let them also remember the scarcity scrap of literary intelligence in Mr. of trees in general, (as your inquirer Swinton's own hand, or to deposit it R. observed,) and certainly of the in the Museum, that the veracity of greater scarcity of the vegetable lothis account may never be doubted. cust in particular. Isaiah seems to imI am, Sir, ply the great paucity of trees in the deserts, in chap. xli. 19; "I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the shittahtree, and the myrtle, and the oil-tree; I will set in the desart the fir-tree, and the pine, and the box-tree together."

Your most humble servant, SAML. JOHNSON. "The History of the Carthaginians, Numidians, Mauritanians, Gaetulians, Garamantes, Melanogaetuli, Nigritae, Cyranaica, Marmarica, the Regio Syrtica, Turks, Tartars, and Moguls, Indians, Chinese, Dissertation on the peopling of America, Dissertation on the Independency of the Arabs, by Mr. Swinton. The Cosmogony and a small part of the History immediately following, by Mr. Sale. To the birth of Abraham chiefly by Mr. Shelvock. History of the Jews, Gauls, Spaniards, and Xenophon's retreat, by Mr. Psalmanazar. History of the Persian and Constantinopolitan Empire, by Dr. Campbell. History of the Romans, by Mr. Bower."

The original of the above letter, agreeably to Dr. Johnson's desire, is deposited in the British Museum. It was also printed at the time it was sent, by the Dr.'s express desire, in the Gentleman's Magazine, fol. 54, p. 892. -See the Literary Anecdotes of the 18th Century, fol. 2, page 553, by J. Nichols.

REPLY TO A QUERY, ETC.

6

I am, &c. ADOLESCENS. This short reply has given rise to another Query, which I should be very glad to have answered by any of your able correspondents. Goldsmith says, when speaking of the animal locust, They are caught in small nets provided for that purpose. They (the Oriental nations) parch them over the fire in an earthen pan; and when their wings and legs have fallen off, they turn reddish, of the colour of boiled shrimps. The natives of Barbary also eat them fried with salt, and they are said to taste like cray-fish.' Did John eat them thus prepared or not? how had he the means of dressing them? and are there any at the present time, who eat them unprepared?-are they then palatable ?

QUERY ON AN EXPRESSION IN THE
CHURCH SERVICE.

SIR,
WHAT is the reason of the frequent
use of" Glory be to the, &c." and, " As
it was in the Beginning, &c." in the

Reply to a Query on the Food of John the Church service? and is it not frequently Baptist, inserted No. 7, col. 667.

MR. EDITOR,

SIR,-In endeavouring to reply to your querist R. I shall do it as briefly as possible. Both the vegetable and animal locust are eatable; only I believe the latter to be in more general use, it being light and easy of digestion. It appears from Scripture, that, under the Mosaic dispensation, animal was in more general use than vegetable food, and in Lev. xi. 22, the animal locust is expressly mentioned. "Even these, of them ye may eat, the locust after his kind;" while the word of God is comparatively silent on vegetable food. They on the vegetable side of the question assert, that honey is deposited in trees; and, says Dr. A. Clarke, ' more particularly in the vegetable locust.' I allow it; but let me remind my friends, that it is also deposited in rocks, see Deut. xxxii.13.; No. 9. VOL. I.

very inapplicable?

ADOLESCENS.

Query on Electricity. MR. EDITOR, DR. Priestley, in his work on Electricity, Vol. II. page 26. under the article "Queries and Hints to promote farther discoveries in Electricity," says, "Dr. Franklin observed, that iron was corroded by being exposed to repeated electric sparks. Must not this have been effected by some acid? What other marks are there of an acid in the electric fluid? May not its phosphoreal smell be reckoned one?” I do not think that there has been any reply made to the above: if there has, you will oblige me by the information; if not, the opinion of your correspondents would be much esteemed.

3 H

Ελεκτρον

Memoir of Mr. Smith, of Snitterfield, the plain declarations of Scripture on

Warwickshire.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE IMPERIAL

MAGAZINE.

this momentous particular, and learn to distinguish between things so essentially different.

In the year 1811, Mr. Smith undertook the superintendence of a farm belonging to his father, and went to reside at Tiddington, a village contiguous to Stratford-on-Avon. Providence thus placed him near to a society of Christian friends, with whom he aftewards took sweet counsel, and walked to the house of God in company. The fol

SIR, IT is with peculiar pleasure the believer meditates on the memory of the just, and often contemplates, with joy unspeakable, the blessedness of those who have died in the Lord. Here he views, as in a glass, the vanity of the world, the uncertainty of life, the nearness of eternity, the inestimable value of religion; and is thus power-lowing particulars, which under God fully stimulated to be a follower of those, who through faith and patience now inherit the promises. These are important lessons, and when thus carried to their practical results, promote the happiness of all who attend to them. Besides, the pious lives and triumphant deaths, which we hope to see frequently recorded on your pages, form a standing evidence of the divinity of the Scriptures, of the power of divine grace, and of the riches of infinite mercy. The following brief and imperfect Memoir was undertaken, with a desire to perpetuate the memory of a dear departed friend, and with a hope of affording instruction and encouragement to many who survive him. If convenient, an early insertion will greatly oblige,

Dear Sir, your's, &c.

led to this delightful union, must not be omitted. The Rev. Mr. Frey having to pass through Stratford, had engaged to preach an occasional sermon: this was made public; and Mr. Smith was induced, probably from mere curiosity, for the first time in his life to enter a Dissenting Chapel. The text selected was Psalm lxxxix. 15: "Blessed is the people that know the joyful sound: they shall walk, O Lord, in the light of thy countenance." Under this sermon, the Lord was graciously pleased to open his heart, as he did that of Lydia, to attend to the things which were spoken by his servant, and to receive with meekness the word of life. Turned from darkness to light, he perceived his ignorance of the way of salvation through faith in a crucified Redeemer, and from that time became an humble, sincere, and diligent inquirer after truth. Should not the pious and zealous ministers of the gospel, take encouragement from such cheering circumstances, to "sow by all waters," to "be instant in season and out of season;" at the same time remembering who has promised: “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."

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MR. Richard Smith, eldest son of Richard Smith, esq. of Snitterfield, a small village in the county of Warwick, was born on the 30th of May, 1789. His childhood and youth were passed under the paternal roof. Of this early period, nothing particular is known; but as he advanced to the age of manhood, he was remarked for his steady deportment, the early maturity of his Our dear friend, now became a reunderstanding, and especially for his gular attendant on the ministry of the dutiful and affectionate behaviour to- Rev. J. Stokes, then stated pastor of wards his parents. His attendance the Dissenting Church in Stratford. with the family at the parish church, A divine power accompanied the word, was regular and constant; and by the and Mr. Smith's profiting evidently appreventing grace of God, he was mer- peared. The eyes of his understandcifully preserved from those crimes ing were opened, to discern the differwhich too frequently attach to this pe- ence between a mere educational beriod of life. But though it is believed lief of the doctrines of the Bible, which that not a single individual could have is ever cold and inert, and that holy truly charged him with acts of immora-operative principle of faith, which, lity; yet, according to his own testimony, he continued destitute of the power of vital godliness, until he had attained the age of twenty-three. Oh! that mankind would at last attend to

working by love, removes guilt and impurity, overcomes the world, disarms death, and presents to the enraptured soul the substantial glories of eternity.

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The light which thus shone with all things. When first he attempted clearness, was diligently followed. to escape out of Egypt, he calculated The truths of the gospel were, by the on the perils of the wilderness, and dear departed, received not merely as being determined to brave them, like subjects on which he might occasion- another Caleb, "followed the Lord ally speculate for the purposes of fully." He had learned to distinguish amusement; they regulated the in-between the things which are seen, ductions of his mind, the decisions of and temporal; and those which are his conscience, and were brought to not seen, and eternal. He then endeabear with all their sacred energies on voured to pursue them according to the movements of his affections. The their appropriate value. Thus, for result was, a deep and lasting con- the joy that was set before him, he enviction of the total depravity of his na- dured the cross;" " choosing rather to ture, and of the absolute necessity of a suffer affliction with the people of God, personal and saving interest in the than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a atonement. This he perceived was season; having respect to the recomthe only method by which he might pense of the reward." And when in escape from guilt and pollution, and the midst of difficulties, he ever found secure a meetness for an inheritance "the living spring amongst the saints in light. Hence, the sincere and ardent language of his soul now was, "God be merciful to me, a sinner!"

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Of joys, divinely sweet, and ever new,

A peaceful conscience, and a smiling heaven." In the course of the summer, (the exact time is not known,) Mr. S. received much spiritual comfort and encouragement, while hearing Mr.Stokes, from John viii. 36: "If the Son, therefore, shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." His mind was now relieved from a burden of guilt and unbelief, and he enjoyed a happy measure of that sweet and solid peace, which springs from a humble heartfelt appropriation of the pardoning mercy of God in Christ Jesus. The word, the ways, the house, and the people, of God, were now his delight; and from this memorable time, he walked under the light of the Divine countenance.

What a noble object is presented to the view, when we contemplate a young man, surrounded by the fascinating allurements of the world, possessed of every possible means of gratification, and kept in countenance by general example, breaking through every enchantment; buffeting the violence of temptation, and manfully repelling, both the treacherous smile, and lowring frown, of an ungodly world. One might be ready to think, that such a person would command esteem and love from all who had the happiness of his acquaintance. But ah! ye followers of the despised Nazarene, "marvel not if the world hate you.' Early in the following spring, (1814,) The carnal mind is still enmity against our dear friend was admitted a welGod; and, as a natural consequence, come member into the Dissenting "all who will live godly in Christ Church at Stratford. In this important Jesus, must suffer persecution." The step, his eye was single. Humbly detrials of this nature with which Mr. S. siring in all things to adorn the dochad to contend, were painful and se- trine of God his Saviour, he felt it vere: but the grace of God was suffi- his duty to avail himself of all the spieient for him; and he was enabled, in ritual helps which a kind Providence the midst of opposition, to pursue his had afforded; nor could he ever supway with cheerful patience and chris- pose for a moment, that the mere cirtian fortitude. Often would he speak cumstance, of these helps being withof persecution as the portion of God's out the walls of the Establishment, children; and remark, it was enough could either deprive them of their effithat the servant be as his Master, and cacy, or justfy him in the neglect of the disciple as his Lord. He had sat them. Yet he invariably evidenced a down and deliberately counted the spirit of meekness, forbearance, and cost: he saw it was through much tri- love, towards others. Claiming for bulation he must enter the kingdom. himself liberty of conscience, he wished But none of these things moved him; every man to enjoy and exercise the the excellency of the knowledge of same undoubted right. Where love Christ Jesus his Lord, reconciled him to the Saviour was manifestly the preto arising consequences, and the loss of | vailing principle of the heart, names

and party distinctions had with him | black and white. Though our families but little weight. He could feelingly had long been in the greatest intimacy, and consistently adopt the Apostle's yet not having been more than three prayer: Peace be upon all them that or four times in her company, I had love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity." the utmost difficulty in persuading her About this time, Mr. S. received an at once to oblige and gratify me, by expostulatory letter from a minister of leaving her definition with my sister, as the Establishment. This was occasioned I was under the necessity of leaving by his seceding from the national the neighbourhood at an early hour church. His own reply will best de- on the following day. velop his views and principles. [To be continued.]

Upon entering the breakfast-room on the following morning, I perceived a letter in an elegant female hand,

Distinction between Awful and Sublime. addressed to me; and when I reflected

TO THE EDITOR OF THE IMPERIAL

MAGAZINE.

SIR, ALLOW me to inform you, that I have not only perused your recently published work with sensations of pleasure, but with a mixture of improvement and delight, particularly so, from finding you admit Queries, which I consider one of the most rational sources of instruction to the human mind.

upon the short time which had been allowed the fair reasoner to define the distinction, it convinced me that her mind must possess great capability; and being an enemy to those who wish to degrade the intellectual powers of females, I offer it to your inspection in the same form it was presented to me.

A casual definition of the Distinction between the terms AWFUL and SUBLIME.

"When I contemplate the starry Firmament, that admirable scene of wonder, and reflect upon the brilliant splendour of those myriads of heavenly bodies which illuminate its way, (with the particular nature of which, we are but imperfectly acquainted,) my soul is impressed with ideas of its sublimity, and yields to sensations of admiration and delight! yet my feel

Having passed, a short time since, (what I considered) a rational evening, where Biography, History, and Anecdote, took precedence of that propensity to scandal, so ungenerously supposed to prevail amongst a female party, a brother officer of mine, (though there were only two gentlemen to six ladies,) after expatiating upon synonymous expressions, asserted that Aufulings are unmixed with awe: no dread and Sublime were inseparable, though not synonymous.

One young lady in particular, to whose sentiments I had listened with pleasure throughout the whole evening, modestly, yet decidedly, asserted she thought they differed in an eminent degree.

A servant at the same moment announcing supper upon the table, deprived me of an intellectual, by substituting a corporeal regale; but as it was my good fortune to be seated by this fair caviller for proper distinctions, I conjured her to indulge me with that definition she was going to give the company, when so unseasonable an interruption took place. The mistress of the mansion, however, having requested one of the ladies to sing, harmony superseded conversation for that night; but upon accompanying my fair friend to the place of her destination, entreated her to indulge me with her definition of the two expressions in

pervades them. My Creator, in this stupendous work, manifests Himself in effulgent beauty, and fills my heart with sensations of wonder, admiration, and delight! I am raised, as it were, to a communion with heavenly spirits; and this lower world, with all its pleasures, pains, and follies, seems to vanish from my sight!

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But how different are my emotions at the bare idea of Death! Terrible in its approach, Awful in its consequences; dread must ever be its concomitant, yet unaccompanied by that grandeur to which our ideas of sublimity are attached. His unerring stroke dissolves the union of soul and body, and ushers us into the presence of the great Creator of the world, to receive that fiat which our deeds deserve! His fatal shaft severs the bonds of affection, and separates the ties of blood, consigning our perishable frames to moulder in the dust, whilst those forms which give rise to

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