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Widow of the late Mr. Smith, Missionary. IN our last number, col. 493, we announced the arrival of this unfortunate woman, who, in the colony of Demerara, has been severely perseouted in the person of her husband. To mitigate his sufferings, and administer to his necessities, she took up her abode with him in the common jail, Here she kept ber ground, until death released her from the discharge of duty, by putting a period to his calamities, and wafting his spirit to a region," where tyrants vex not, and the weary rest'

When his mortal remains were consigned to the house appointed for all living, she was forbidden to follow his corpse to the grave. This mandate, however, she evaded, by repairing to the sepulchre before the funeral train arrived, that she might witness the interment, which took place at an unusually early hour. Returning to her home, she immediately prepared to depart from these inhospitable shores; and having embarked, in company with Mrs. Elliott, who had been her friend and companion in all her distresses, she reached England in safety, just before the commencement of the annual meetings, which took place in the month of May..

Arriving in London, she was received with all that sympathy, and condoling affection, which every sufferer in the cause of the Gospel has a right to expect from all Christian communities. In company with her friends, she has attended several public meetings; and the marked attention by which she has been distinguished, has furnished a convincing proof, how much public feeling has been interested in her favour.

To some few, who wish to see the negro's chains more firmly rivetted, this display of sympathy and condolence has not been altogether gratifying; but the tide of popular opinion, their puny efforts have been too feeble to withstand. One of our public prints, remarkable for the coarseness of its observations, its proficiency in calling names, using abusive epithets, and advocating the cause of inbumanity, has indirectly paid its court to a body of Christians, in order to detach them from the interest they have taken in the fate of Mr. Smith. But they cannot forget the language of the same paper towards themselves during the late occurrences at Barbadoes; nor can they be weak enough to relinquish the common cause of missionaries, to escape the anathemas of a Bull, whether issued from the vatican, or fulminating without papal authority.

To the fate of Mr. Smith, in most of the missionary meetings beld lately in London, some allusions have been made, and it is remarkable, that although, on many occasions, the conduct of his persecutors has called forth some pointed expressions of disapprobation, not a single individual has been found, to advocate the cause of that criminal justice which sentenced him to die. In public opinion it stands gibbeted on the column of infamy, bearing an inscription, which, like the gallows designed by Haman for the execution of Morde

cai, serves to perpetuate the names of those by whom it was erected.

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On Thursday, the 13th of May, a sermon was preached at Tottenham-court Chapel, by the Rev. Edward Irving, in behalf of the Loncrowded to excess. The sermon was exceed don Missionary Society. The chapel was ingly long, but it was not more protracted than excellent. With a request to print this discourse, we have been told, the reverend gentleman has complied; and, with a degree of liberality that does him much honour, we learn that he intends to present the profits of the publication to Mrs. Smith.

Anniversaries of Benevolent Institutions.

THE month of May has, for several years past, furnished a season of religious festivity. This, in general, is confined to the metropolis; but hither the tribes repair from all parts of the island, and sometimes individuals are allured even from foreign lands. The same spirit indeed which breathes through these publio meetings in London, may easily be found diffused throughout the country; but, in general, the more distant associations take place some what earlier, by which means preparations are made for the anticipated result.

On former occasions, before these annual meetings became so numerous as they now are, we were enabled to give some distinct account of each; but this method we now find to be nearly impracticable. A short history of these associations, with a statement of their procedure, and the distinct objects which they have in view, would nearly fill all the pages of our magazine, especially if the names of the chairmen and speakers were simply added; even without noticing their speeches, or making any observations on the zeal and ardour which they displayed.

The anniversaries of benevolent institutions. of every kind, held in the metropolis, are not much short of fifty in number; and if to these we add the annual sermons to which these anniversaries give birth, they will nearly double the amount. Of these institutions, the greater part have some literary vehicle through which they communicate to the public an account of their respective proceedings; and by these accumulated means, the character of all is fully brought into notice. Standing on the ground of independence, and being under the control of no particular party, our observations should be general in their character, and impartial in their application.

The three primary objects which, on these occasions, benevolence aims to promote, are: schools for the instruction of children,—the circulation of the Scriptures, both at home and abroad, and the establishment of missions in foreign lands. Each of these has its particular class of advocates; but the same spirit of benevolence pervades all ranks, from the exalted stations occupied by royalty, down through the gradations of grandeur, to the cottager and the mechanic. In the supporters of these several institutions, the same vigorous pulsations of genuine philanthropy are perceptible; and although they seem to aim at distinct objects, instead of being rival establishments, they mutually assist each other by their harmonious co-operation.

Christianity is a religion of true benevo lence, and in no portion of the globe are its effects so apparent as in those countries where it puts forth its energies free from all civil and ecclesiastical restraints. Among the nations of Europe, Great Britain stands without a rival in the enjoyment of this privilege, and in no other kingdom is benevolence so generally diffused. Year after year appeals have been made to the liberality of an enlightened public, and its springs still remain unexhausted.

When several of these anniversaries were held, the weather was unusually severe, on some days the rain falling without any intermission. But notwithstanding this forbidding circumstance, they were most numerously attended by congregations highly respectable; and the liberality that was manifest, furnished a convincing proof, that something more powerful than mere novelty, operated upon the public mind. Scarcely an instance occurred in which the collections were less than on former occasions, and on most they were greatly exceeded. Taken in the aggregate, they stand unprecedented, and thus furnish a pleasing presage that they will still in

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Throughout these meetings a spirit of devo tion, and of conscious dependence upon God, was evidently conspicuous; and the acknowledgment was universal, that the success which appeared, was not the effect of human penetration or energy. All admitted, that men are but instruments in the hands of the Almighty Agent, whose Holy Spirit works through the appointed means, and to this alone the glory was ascribed.

Death of Lord Byron.

ེན ནམསམ་གི Before this article can reach the hands of our readers, it will be known to most, that this nobleman is no more. The announcement of his death excited some attention, but it created a much less general and strong sensation than might have been expected, from the fame of his writings, and the celebrity attached to his name. For this, several reasons may be assigned. New objects daily arise, to eclipse those which preceded them; nothing can occupy the attention long; that which is past, constantly gives place to that which is future; and, among Lord Byron's warmest admirers, multitudes may be found who do not like to think of death, either in retrospection or anticipation.

George Gordon, Lord Byron, was the grandson of the celebrated Admiral Byron, who circumnavigated the globe. His father, an eccentric and dissipated character, married a Miss Gordon of Aberdeenshire, who became the mother of the poet in January, 1788. In early life his constitution was weakly, and one of his feet being deformed, occasioned a lame

ness which he could never overcome. His first rudiments of education were received at a grammar school in Aberdeen, whence he was removed at the age of ten, at which time he succeeded to the titles and estates of his ancestors, by the death of his great-uncle. From Aberdeen he was taken to Harrow, and placed under the tuition of Dr. Drury, where he remained six years, on the expiration of which he proceeded to Trinity College, Cambridge.

At the age of nineteen, he published his "Hours of Idleness," which being severely criticized in the Edinburgh Review, called forth his "English Bards, and Scotch Reviewers," under the castigation of which his assailants still continue to smart. On coming of age, Lord Byron, in company with Mr. Hobhouse, visited the coasts of the Mediterranean, Greece, and Turkey. In 1815, he married the only daughter of Sir Ralph Milbank Noel, by whom he had one daughter; but an unhappy rupture taking place in the family, was succeeded by their separation, and his Lordship quitted England under feelings which can confer no honour on his memory.

Since these institutions have been established, much has been done; but, from the moral condition of the world, much more still remains. At home, missionaries are wanted in numerous villages, where vice and ignorance Having traversed various parts of the conprevail, and, in foreign countries, some hun- tinent, Lord Byron took up his residence in dreds of millions, the victims of delusion, who Italy, from which he repaired to Greece, either worship idols, or sacrifice to Moloch being charmed with the noble efforts made by with hands dyed in blood, present spectacles the inhabitants to shake off the Turkish yoke. that excite compassion. The facts and inci- Towards the end of March, or beginning of dents detailed awakened much sympathy, and April, he took a severe cold, which led to an called forth some of the best feelings of reno-inflammation, that terminated in his death on vated human nature. The necessity of continued exertions in the cause of Christian benevolence, was seen and acknowledged by all; and pledges were given, that, according to the means possessed by those present, the work should not languish for the want of pecuniary support.

Under circumstances so auspicious, both faith and hope may expect the divine blessing; and, so far as analogy can be taken as a guide, past successes may be considered as a presage of what may be anticipated. The path of duty is marked Christians are called ring wisdom. In this

called to walk, and to leave

events to God..

the 19th of April, 1824. His medical attendant had anticipated danger prior to this event, but his Lordship refused to submit to what was thought advisable, until it was too late. His mortal remains will be brought to England for interment, but in what place is yet uncertain. One report has assigned his body a niche in Westminster Abbey; and another, a particular spot in the churchyard at Harrow, said to have been of his own selection. His title devolves on his cousin Anson Byron, a captain in the Royal Navy; but this will be accompa→ nied with little or no wealth, bis property, which is said to have been about £7000 per annum, going to Lady Byron, which will ang

as the works of Shakspeare, Milton, Dryden, and Pope have been, they will be as buoyant as the works of these authors are now, must be left to the judgment of posterity.oke and Whichelo's Large Picture, 22 feet by 14, exhi The present days of festivity are convert-biting the Destruction of Jerusalem, A.D. 70, ed into days of bitter lamentation for all. Noel Byron departed this life today, bord at Dobbs and Co.'s, 13, Soho-square. eleven o'clock in the evening, in consequence of a rheumatic inflammatory fever, which had lasted for ten days. During the time of his illness, your general anxiety evinced the profound sorrow that pervaded your hearts. All classes, without distinction of age or sex, oppressed by grief, entirely forgot the days of Easter. The death of this illustrious personage is certainly a most calamitous event for all Greece, more for this city, to which he was eminently partial, if which he became a citizen, and of the dangers of which he was determined personally to partake, when circumstances should require it. His munificent donations to this community are before the eyes of every one, and no one amongst us ever ceased, or ever will cease, to consider him, with the purest and most grateful sentiments, our benefactor. Until the dis

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positions of the national government, regarding this most calamitous event, be known, by virtue of the decree of the legislature, No. 314, of date the 15th October,

"It is ordained, 1. To-morrow, by sun-rise, thirty-seven minute guns shall be fired from the batteries of this town, equal to the number of years of the deceased personage. 2. All public offices, including all courts of justice, shall be shut for three following days. 3. All shops, except those for provisions and medicines, shall also be kept shut; and all sorts of musical instruments, all dances customary in these days, all sorts of festivities and merriment in the public taverns, and every other sort of public amusement, shall cease during the abovenamed period. 4. A general mourning shall take place for twenty-one days. 5. Funeral ceremonies shall be performed in all the churches.

A. MAVROCORDATO. GIORGIO PRAIDI, Secretary. * Missolonghi, 19th April 1824.

Tattood Among his Lordship's literary productions, "Childe Harold; The Giaour; The Corsair; The Bride of Abydos; Lara; Prisoner of Chillon; Manfredo Darkness; Lament of Tasso; Mazeppa; Beppo; Cain; Don Juan, &c." are the principal. Of these works, the public have already formed their opinion; an opinion which time may alter, but which present criticism cannot shake. No one doubts that they contain luminous displays of splendid talents, varying however, in their degrees of brightness, and the vividness of their coruscations. But whether this splendour of intellect, and gaiety of attire, be sufficient to compensate for that moral pestilence with which several of his compositions are saturated, and which can scarcely be touched without contamination, there can be no division of sentiments among those whose thoughts can pierce beyond an hour." On the tide of time they have already begun to float; but whether, after having been borne on its stream so long

On the return of her were

directed to expeditions of discovery, to im
commerce, and to the cultivation of the arts.
provements in agriculture, to the extension of
Among the latter, painting and sculpture
have flourished under her fostering care; and
hence our exhibition-rooms have been enriched
with the development of genius, and the dis-
auspicious reign of George the Fourth.
play of talent, which will ever distinguish the

torical representation of awful facts, which,
Whichelo's large picture imbodies an his-
from their singularity, remarkable incidents,
and the accomplishment of prophecy, can never
be blotted from the records of mankind. The

melancholy spectacle is placed before the eye of the observer in all its grandeur, which, among other subordinate scenes, contains the following distinct particulars:

The Romans, having demolished the first and second Walls, obtained possession of the assaulted the third or inner wall, and Tower of second enclosure, and with unbounded fury Antonio, which had communication with the magnificent Piazzas of the Temple; but the ed the communication by setting fire to the Jews, to preserve that sacred edifice, destroyhas chosen for the display of this grand, but Piazzas. This is the period which the artist awful subject.

The spectator is supposed to be upon the ruins of the second Wall, looking southward the Tower of Antonio, the Temple, and the flaming Cloisters being directly before him. The Roman army is represented as engaged in fierce conflict with the Jews; and Titus, on horseback, giving his orders, attended by his Officers, and by the illustrious historian Josephus, whom he had taken prisoner, and treated with the greatest kindness and regard. Upon the right of the Picture is the great Road, leading from the second Wall to the Temple, whither thousands of wretched Jews are flying for refuge; while in front, the famished, the dying, and the dead are detailed in groups of frightful disorder. On the east (the spectator's left hand) is the Mount of Olives, with which are associated recollections of the highest interest.)

Here the ceremony of burning the red heifer was performed; and upon the top of it were the lights or beacons, to give notice of the new moon: hither King David ascended on foot, with ashes on his head, when driven from Jerusalem by the rebellion of his son Absalom: and from hence, having finished the

work of our redemption, Our Saviour ascend- amidst the plaudits of a full house, and while ed into heaven. At the foot of the mount was the band were playing " God save the King.", Gethsemane and its Garden, whither Jesus This being finished, he addressed the assembly often resorted with his disciples; and here, on the occasion of their meeting, and the ob under the weight of our sins, he endured that jects of the institution. The report was then agony, in which the sacred historians inform read, in which the motives were developed by he sweat great drops of blood, falling which the committee had been guided in makdown to the ground;" and it was in this Gar-ing their various awards, and the reasons, den that the wretched Judas betrayed his Master with a kiss.

us,

Between the Mount of Olives and the City, is the Brook Kedron, whose channel, except in winter, and during heavy rains, is generally left dry.

A little to the west of Antonio is seen, in the distance, the native city of King David, called Bethlehem-the House of Bread; where also, in the fulness of time, Christ, the bread of life, was born, and gave light and life to the world; and here the wise men, directed by a star, came and offered their adorations, their gold, frankincense, and myrrh, to the infant Saviour.

Farther to the west is the Fortress and Palace of the City of David, or Mount Zion, which Josephus calls the Upper City; between which and the spectator is part of the Lower City, or Daughter of Zion.

Proceeding still westward, and without the walls of that City, we arrive at Mount Calvary, or Golgotha, that is, the Place of a Skull; so called, as some suppose, from its fancied resemblance to a skull; or because criminals were executed there; or, perhaps, because the mount contained sepulchral caverns for the dead. Being too precipitate for direct ascent, the road to its summit was circuitous: hither Our Saviour carried his Cross; and, being led as a lamb to the slaughter, he offered himself for our sins, a sacrifice to God, without spot or blemish.

which had induced them to distinguish parti cular productions of utility and art, by the, more valuable marks of their approbation.

The successful candidates, amounting in number to 147, were then called in regular succession, as their names stood on a printed list. To several of these his Royal Highness paid many handsome compliments, intimating that the prizes were to be considered as tokens of distinguished merit, and as an encouragement to future exertions.

On delivering to Henry Blyth, Esq. of Burnham, Norfolk, the large gold medal, for embanking 253 acres of marsh land from the sea, bis Royal Highness observed,-that he "had the pleasure of being personally acquainted with the meritorious individual then standing before him, and therefore knew that bis efforts and successes were well deserving this particular notice; and that to Mr. Blyth it might hereafter afford some pleasing recollections, that the medal was presented to the proprietor of the Sussex farm (the name of his estate) by the Duke of Sussex."

Mr. D. Pasmore being called to receive two silver palettes, one for an historical subject in pencil, and the other for a head in chalk, a poor lad, about 12 years of age, made his appearance, dressed in the costume of charity, but in every respect clean and neat. On delivering to him these rewards, the Duke observed, that "he was glad to find the lad had turned his attention to subjects apparently above his station, and had given evidence of talents which expectation could not have anticipated; that persevering in that line in which he had thus distinguished himself, he had no doubt, notwithstanding his present situation, that he would hereafter become one of the greatest men in this country."

In this representation the elevations are awfully grand, and the light reflected from the burning piazzas against the walls of the Temple is strikingly magnificent, while the ascending flames, mingled with smoke, consummate the general sublimity of the spectacle. The perspective is well preserved, every object retaining its magnitude, in proportion to its dis- Two persons, who were deaf and dumb, retance from the spectator's eye; and, over all, ceived prizes, and some others, both boys and the appearance of the sky has an admirable ef- girls, that were mere children, stood in the fect. The animation inspired by the hopes of honourable list. On all these bis Royal Highvictory in the invading soldiers, the alarm and ness made many judicious and pointed reconsternation occasioned among the Jews by marks, which were received with enthusiasm the increasing devastations, the varied coun- by the surrounding auditors. The whole extenances and positions of the famished inha-hibited a pleasing spectacle, with which every bitants, of the wounded, the dying, and the dead, are well preserved. This picture was begun about Christmas last, and is now open for inspection.

Distribution of Prizes by the Society of Arts, &c. On Wednesday, the 26th ult. a large concourse of persons, among whom were many of high respectability, assembled at the King's Theatre, in the Haymarket, to witness the distribution of Rewards that had been previously adjudged to the respective candidates, by "the Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce," established in the Adelphi. His royal highness the Duke of Sussex, who is president of this society, took the chair about one o'clock,

one present appeared to be highly delighted,

The subjects for which rewards were assigned were, in agriculture and rural economy; chemistry; original oil paintings; copies in oil; original paintings in water colours; chalk, pencil, and Indian ink; copies in ditto; copies in water colours; original drawings in drawings from statues and busts; models in plaster; copies of ditto; architecture; drawings of machines; engravings; in manufactures; in mechanics; in colonies, and trade. Of these an account will be published in the next volume of the society's Transactions.

At the conclusion, bis Royal Highness again addressed the company on the utility and ad vantages resulting from this institution, which had already called forth talents of an exalted order, and which could hardly fail to excite

further emulation, When he withdrew, the band again played "God save the King." The meeting, which, was highly interesting, broke up about a quarter past three.

Fatal Aerostation.

On Tuesday, May the 25th ult. about twenty minutes past four, Mr. Harris, a new but unfortunate candidate for aeronautic fame, ac

companied by a lady, ascended in a balloon from the garden of the Eagle Tavern, Cityroad, amidst the huzzas of a vast concourse of people. The machine rose in a majestic style, took a southwardly direction, and remained in full view nearly a quarter of an hour, when, having attained a considerable elevation, it en tered a cloud, and disappeared.

Prior to his departure, it appears that Mr. Harris had given his friends to understand that he intended to return and take supper with them within about two hours. But that time having elapsed, and no intelligence of his descent arriving, several became alarmed for his safety. At length secret information was communicated that some disaster had befallen the adventurers, in consequence of which a gentleman hastened to the place that had been mentioned, and found the report most awfully realized. The result of his inquiry was exhibited the following morning, on a placard, in the window of the Eagle Tavern :

"We are sorry to announce, that from the opening of the valve of the balloon too greatly, and not being able to close it, the aeronauts were precipitated from a great height most rapidly. Mr. Harris was killed on the spot; but the lady, although much bruised, is alive and sensible. This awful occurrence took place by striking against a tree in Beddington Park, on the estate of Mrs. Gee. The young lady lies at the Plough, Beddington, in a very precarious state." Besides the above placard, several accounts have been published, but they contain little or no additional information.

The coroner's inquest sat on the body, and, after collecting all the evidence which those who witnessed his departure and descent could communicate, returned a verdict of "accidental death." Of the young lady's recovery some hopes are entertained.

Mr. Harris, it appears, was formerly a lieutenant in the navy; he afterwards engaged in the upholstery business in Fore-street, London, whence he removed to Fitzroy-square, to prepare for this fatal expedition. He has left a widow and family to deplore his death.

The young lady, his companion in misfortune, is a Miss Stocks, whose father is a mill. wright, with a family of eight children, living near Finsbury-square. The Saturday preceding this disastrous adventure, she had left a situation in a pastry-cook shop; but her inducement to aim at the romantic elevation which the balloon promised, we have not learnt. A subscription, we hear, is open for the family of the deceased and his unfortunate companion.

What effect this disaster may have on other adventurers, time only can determine. Should they be deterred by this misfortune from hazarding their lives in accompanying this philosophical bubble, good will be brought out of evil. We know of no one benefit that it has ever been, or promises to be, to mankind.

Miscellaneous.

King and Queen of the Sandwich Islands.→→ Since our last, these illustrious personages have visited our shores. They are somewhat above the middle stature, very dark in their complexion, and dressed in the English costume. They are adepts at playing cards, are much delighted with the curious exhibitions of London, but are particularly charmed with gazing from the windows on the puppet-shows that are seen in the streets. Her Majesty is remarkably fond of smoking segars. They are said to have brought with them the bones of the celebrated, but unfortunate, Captain James Cook, who was killed by the savages of Owhyhee.

Protestant Society for the Protection of Reli gious Liberty.--The Anniversary of this Society was numerously attended. Lord Holland was in the chair. The celebrated Mr. Wilks displayed his usual eloquence, but the account reached us too late for any detail of circumstances to be given in this number of our Magazine.

Northern Expedition.-The Hecla and Fury Discovery Ships, under Captain Parry, judiciously and amply provided in every respect, sailed on the 19th ult. from the Nore. A transport ship, having on board 26 live bullocks, and laden with provisions and fuel, will accompany them to a certain distance, to keep up the supplies.

Coffee-In Sweden, a substitute for coffee has been found, in the berries of the astragalus balticus of Linnæus. Doctor Bayrhammor, of Wurtzburg, who has exerted himself in the promotion of this culture, offered some time ago to send 100 perfect seeds of this plant to any person, who would undertake to cultivate it according to the accompanying instructions, and to communicate the result. He says it will not suffer from intense frost, and produces from 100 to 600 fold. Its decoction is economical, requiring only the fifth part of the sugar generally used with coffee.

Confinement of Debtors.-The congress of the United States has abolished arrest and imprisonment for debt. Undoubtedly the creditor should have as complete a remedy as possible against the property of the debtor; but an arbitrary power of imprisonment in the hands of an incensed creditor, who is sometimes the more culpable of the two parties, is opposed to justice, humanity, and true policy, and is only beneficial to the most disreputable portion of legal practitioners.

Lanterns.-M. Larèvière, a mechanic at Geneva, has conceived the idea of substituting for glass in lanterns, plates of polished iron, pierced with small holes, regularly placed, and close to one another. These plates allow the light to pass through them extremely well, and are much superior to metallic wires, which are easily deranged.

Toad. A miner lately employed with others in sinking a new coal-pit, near Haughton-leSpring, (near Sheffield,) found a living toad in the middle of a solid block of stone, at the depth of between twenty-five and twenty-six fathoms from the surface of the earth. It differed from a common toad, in having nostrils, but no mouth. Another was, a few weeks ago, discovered by the workmen of Mr. Fletcher,

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