branches of his communication have been anticipated in the preceding paragraphs, he will easily perceive the cause of those partial omissions, which on no other account would have taken place. ployment of his talents, and the early acquirement of an intimate knowledge of the Persian, and the popular Oriental languages. In the year 1786, during Mr. Pitt's Administration, when Lord Melville The Right Honourable Lord Teign- was President of the Board of Control, mouth is an honorary member of the and the Marquis Cornwallis Governor Board of Control for Affairs in India, General of India, we find Mr. Shore and the noble President of the British at the head of the revenue department; and Foreign Bible Society. This lat- and in 1787, he had the honour, with ter situation he has had the honour to the Honourable Charles Stuart, by a sustain, from the primary establish- | special commission from the King, to ment of that glorious institution. As invest Marquis Cornwallis with the the circulation of the Holy Scriptures, most noble order of the Garter. Mr. through the medium of this great So- Shore continued in India, high in the ciety, its subordinate branches, and esteem and confidence of Marquis ample correspondence, extends over a Cornwallis, until December 1792, when considerable portion of the habitable reiterated attacks of sickness, comglobe, the name of its noble Presi-pelled him to return to England, for dent, must excite a general interest, the benefit of his health.* and secure the veneration of those Christian spirits, which harmonizing in love, are endeavouring, through this vast machine, to promote its great design, in proclaiming, through the written word, "Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, good will towards men." Lord Teignmouth was called to this exalted station, as President, from the original formation of the institution in 1804. From that moment to the present, his indefatigable labours prove, that he engaged in this work from a purity of principle, which alone could preserve him from growing weary in well doing. On this ground, he lives, not only in the eye of the British empire, but in that of foreign nations, and kindreds, and tongues; and we cannot doubt, that his name will hereafter be mentioned with pleasing veneration in languages which to us are yet unknown. By the Reverend John Owen, in his History of the Bible Society, this truly Christian Nobleman has been judiciously denominated "The patron of religion, and an example of its influence, while discharging the functions of Governor General of Bengal."-Vol. I. page 68. Lord Teignmouth, who is about 68 years of age, embarked for Bengal on the civil establishment of the Honourable the East India Company, about the year 1768, as Mr. John Shore. Here he passed through the various gradations of that service, in the civil and judicial, but chiefly in the revenue department, and qualified himself for the highest offices, by the energetic em Mr. Pitt and Lord Melville, being well acquainted with his inflexible integrity, and eminent qualifications, induced the King to create him a Baronet. This was done in 1792, and he was appointed provisional successor to Marquis Cornwallis, who resigned the government of British India to Sir John Shore, Bart. on the 28th of October, 1793. In April 1794, that universal scholar, and justly celebrated orientalist, Sir William Jones, who was judge of the Supreme Court in India, and the intimate acquaintance of Sir John Shore, departed this life at Calcutta ; and was succeeded by him in the chair, as President of the Asiatic Society. On the 22d of May following he pronounced at a full meeting, a masterly eulogium on his departed friend. In this be unconsciously delineated many striking features of character, which, though peculiarly applicable to the deceased, many who heard could not but transfer to the speaker his successor. Among the various effusions to which the death of Sir William Jones gave rise, was the following verse, written by her Grace the Duchess of Devonshire in 1795, as delineating his character, and designed as a tribute of respect to his revered memory. These lines falling into the hands of Lady Jones, were, at her particular request, introduced by Lord Teignmouth into the memoir of her late husband, which he was then writing. To give the sentiments contained in them another application, we need only change the name of the deceased for that of the biographer, and justice will sanction the appropriation. Admir'd and valued in a distant land, The prostrate Hindoo own'd his fostering hand, which he was enabled to prevent intestine commotion from ripening into birth, without permitting those whose latent purposes he had defeated, to discover the motive by which he had been actuated. Undaunted courage and inflexible justice were distinguishing characteristics of his arduous administration. Amidst the storms integrity remained unshaken; and, under every circumstance, his eye was steadily fixed on that authority with which he was entrusted as GovernorGeneral of British India, and which he invariably succeeded in preserving from violation. Lord Teignmouth continued Gover-produced by conflicting passions, his nor General of the British Empire in the East Indies, from October 28th, 1793, to the 12th of March 1798, the interval of which forms a period of nearly four years and a half; the most eventful in itself to Britain, and the most ominous in its effects and consequences to the nations of Europe that has ever occurred in any era of their history. The frowns of insulted Omnipotence seemed at that time to hang on the kingdoms engaged in war; the roots of empire appeared to be loosened; and the prognostics of famine, in many places, threatened to complete the desolations of the sword. Lord Teignmouth, who was succeeded by the present Marquis Wellesley, then Lord Mornington, rendered at this crisis to his native country an essential service, by sending home large supplies of rice, so that England, during a scarcity of corn, was partially fed with this valuable article shipped from Bengal. The Duke of Wellington, then Lieutenant-Colonel Wellesley, commanding the 33d regiment of foot, arrived in Calcutta in 1797. 66 In every station which his Lordship has hitherto been called to fill, his attachment to the cause of Christianity has been invincible. Among the dissolute morals which prevailed in India, during his dominion there, he had in this respect courage to be almost singly good." His attendance on public worship was regular and devout, without the parade of ceremony, the tinsel of ostentation, or the pageantry of state. In his public capacity, the duties of his station were always discharged without those gaudy trappings of greatness, by which diminutive minds are captivated; and this, in the estimation of mental imbecility, rendered his administration less dignified than that of his predecessors. To the tale of sorrow, his Lordship always lent a willing ear; and the beIt was not merely with foreign na- nevolence of his heart found an ample tions, that England had at this time evidence in the liberality of his hand. to contend. Discontents prevailed in In India and in England, his characthe heart of the empire; and many ter has sustained that pleasing uniplaces exhibited the presages of com-formity in the cause of virtue, which motion, India had its share of these internal calamities, arising from causes which have not hitherto been fully developed, but which history hereafter will clearly elucidate. On some of these occasions, his Lordship's courage was proved by a test not destitute of severity, which called into exercise those diversified talents, which his arduous and awfully responsible station so fully required. Without entering, in this brief biographical sketch, into a minute detail of Lord Teignmouth's public services, we shall alone add, that with all his other virtues and talents, this distinguished Nobleman possessed a deep penetration, to discern remote effects in their pregnant causes, through genuine Christian principles can alone inspire. To the sound of music he has always manifested a strong attachment; and the sweetness of that spirit which breathes through his friendly epistles, is but an emanation of that harmony which pervades his soul. In domestic life, surrounded by a numerous offspring, his Lordship displays those social virtues which extend the bond of union to every branch of the family circle. To his domestics he is kind and affectionate, and on all occasions is easy of access. As a husband and a father, he stands pre-eminently adorned with those excellencies, which can alone render virtue amiable, authority respectable, and example worthy of imitation. MEMOIR OF MR. SMITH. [Concluded from col. 897.] At this season he would often request me to read some of his favourite hymns; after which, he would sweet our to perishing sinners. Never can "And came to earth, to bleed and die: He then added: “ It appeared to be the will of Provi-ly expatiate on the love of the Savidence, that our dear friend should exchange his earthly habitation: he accordingly went to reside at Studley, early in the spring of 1815. Through the autumn and winter, his health had been on the decline. This, it is supposed, was occasioned by repeated colds, and the increased fatigues of business. And he only for a short time realized his loved home, when he became so seriously ill, as to be entirely confined to the house. His complaints were of a very afflictive and trying nature, and he was unable for many nights to take rest either on a bed or sofa, as a reclining posture greatly increased the pain in his side and back. A short extract from a note, penned by his own hand at this afflictive season, will prove his happy composure, and holy resignation of mind. "April 15, 1815. "But what a mercy that I am permitted to take rest any way, and that my food hath not lost its relish. These, and ten thousand other blessings, demand our ceaseless praises! Oh! then, let our hearts adopt the language of the Psalmist: "Bless the Lord, O our souls; and all that is within us, bless his holy name." My dear friend knows that our trials and afflictions are sent in great mercy, that they do indeed make the promise sweet; they give new life to prayer. In the trying moment, this world and all its glories appear to us in their true colours: then, and then only, we see time and things as they really are; and feeling their emptiness and insufficiency, exclaim, Miserable comforters are ye all." Now one thing is felt to be indeed needful." 66 On the 18th of April he sent for me to Studley. I found him exceedingly ill; but calm, resigned, and patient. Indeed, his uniform composure was such as is seldom witnessed, and can be accounted for only on Christian principles. His treasure and his heart were evidently in heaven. I believe, through the whole season of his sufferings, not one murmuring word escaped his lips: "Thy will be done," was the constant and cheerful language of his soul. Thus he triumphed : "Not with the fortitude, that mocks at pains, Dr. Doddridge's Exposition of the Sermon on the Mount, was with him a very favourite portion; and fre quently have I heard him enlarge, in a most spiritual and profitable manner, on those characters whom the Saviour there pronounces "blessed." I could not but praise a faithful God, for the supporting grace given to his dear servant, and rejoice on his account: yet when I contemplated his calm submission, and heavenly frame of mind, I rejoiced with trembling— from the selfish fear, that he was ripening for an early immortality. SO The best medical advice was procured, and after two months of painful affliction, he was so much better, that hopes of his recovery were sanguinely cherished: but alas! these hopes were like the early dew, or summer's cloud. Though it pleased his heavenly Physician partially to restore him, the powers of his constitution were completely enervated, that he never regained his wonted vigour. His heavenly Father knew perfectly the trials of his suffering servant; be had early called him to bear the burden and heat of the day, and to a peculiar exercise of his faith, hope, and love; and it is now evident that in all this, he was graciously preparing him for a speedy possession of his eternal inheritance. The summer months passed with but comparatively little improvement, yet still he was kept in a patient waiting frame. If he ever indulged a hope of recovering, it was that he might dedicate his all to the service and glory of God. In a letter received from him the latter end of July, after adverting to the state of his health, he says: "The Lord giveth, and, if best for us, he taketh away; blessed be the name of the Lord." In the following Sep tember, his affliction became more alarming; but as his outward man decayed, his inward man was renewed day by day. In an interview I had with him, little more than three weeks previous to the painful closing scene, I recollect, he remarked with particular emphasis: "I find nothing but perfect resignation to the will of God will do. When I give up all, and say in heart, Thy word be done;' then, and only then, I am happy." attractive excellencies which visibly adorned the christian conduct of our departed friend. How much more, without any exaggeration, might have been said, will appear in that great day, when they who have kept the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus, shall be made fully manifest and gloriously triumphant. Under this consolatory and animating reflection, I would lay down my pen; humbly praying, that the Lord may bless this feeble attempt to magnify the power of his grace, and to shew forth his praise. THE ANSWER OF CATO TO LABIENUS, Who wished him to consult an Oracle in the Deserts of Libya. Translated from Lucan, by H. S. Boyd. mortal We're closely link'd; and tho' each shrine were silent, His last afflictions were peculiarly trying. A violent and acute pain in his head arose so high, as to occasion, at times, a degree of mental insensibility. This, in addition to his extreme debility, rendered it improper for him to speak much; indeed, he was not capable of it. The best medical assistance was again procured, but all in vain; for it soon, alas! became too evident, that no arm of flesh could preserve him from the grave. His Divine Master, whom he had faithfully served, had said, It is enough,- —come up hither." In the midst of these agonies, while nature was rapidly dissolving, he was preserved in sweet composure of mind; and for several days, his countenance manifested the most pleasing indications of inward tranquillity. One night, reviving a little from a painful lethargy, he exclaimed with peculiar energy: "When the MIGHTY GOD is our SAVIOUR what cause have we to fear?" We ne'er could frustrate the decrees of heaven. and then, reversing the sentence: Th' Almighty needeth no interpreter, "When our SAVIOUR is the MIGH-That men may learn his counsel: at our birth TY GOD, what cause have we to fear?" -dwelling with apparent comfort on the words, MIGHTY GOD. At another time he said: "God is the essence of love, and therefore He cannot do wrong."-Thus he continued, in a meek, resigned, and peaceful frame, as the powers of nature rapidly declined, until Monday morning the ninth of October, 1815, when, in his twenty-seventh year, his happy spirit was freed from the tenement of clay, and admitted, we cannot doubt, to join the countless numbers of the redeemed, in their eternal anthems of praise: "Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." This brief Memoir, affords but a faint delineation of the spiritual and He told us all that we 're concern'd to know. Would he have chosen this deserted shore, He spake, and leaving unexplor'd the faith Of dubious Ammon, from the fane retir'd. THE APOTHEOSIS OF POMPEY THE Translated from Lucan, by H. S. Boyd. Where Æther's plains beneath the stars extend, TO THE EDITOR OF THE IMPERIAL MAGAZINE, SIR, I HAVE been surprised, in looking over different topographical accounts of Lancashire and Liverpool, to find no biographical notice of PETER WHITFIELD, the celebrated author of the Treatise on the Hebrew Vowel Points, printed at Liverpool, 1748, 4to.; a work which a competent judge has pronounced to be "the best defence of them ever published.”—Dr. Adam Clarke's Bibliog. Dict. vol. ii. p. 129. I have been assured he was original That crown'd old Ocean's tide, he wing'd his ly a weaver, and self-taught in the He flight; And seated to redress the wrougs of man, THE HEBREW SHEPHERDS. A Fragment for the Holidays. A dawn advanc'd on Nature, tints the hills With richest hues, and soon the valley fills With glowing rays, diffusing sacred light, Clothing the fleecy tribes in purer white. These thinking night is past, begin to feed. Their guardians half draw forth the tuneful reed; When solemn awe (as Midian's shepherd felt, When near the burning bush he trembling knelt; Or Israel's host, when the divided sea Sparkled with light unborrow'd from the day) The artless swains o'erwhelm'd, affrighted all, Prostrate before the heavenly vision fall. While thus amaz'd, their souls find strange employ, In pleasing terrors half allied to joy, A form angelic dissipates their fears, And sounds celestial charm their list'ning ears. brew, Greek, and Latin languages; and that from having frequently to assist the printer in composing the Oriental parts of his "Treatise," and other works, he gained such a knowledge of printing, as enabled him to commence business as a Printer. From a learned work written by him in defence of the Atonement, entitled, “Christianity of the Old Testament," printed 1757, 8vo. we learn that he had been a Dissenter, but had conformed. To this work he also prefixed a Reply" to- Brown, who had written against him for embracing the principles of the established church. 66 QUERIES TO CORRESPONDENTS. 1. On the Soul when disembodied. J. F. of London asks, "Where does the soul go, on its separation from the body? and does it receive judgment immediately, or wait till the last day?" 2. On the Sun standing still. R. C. observes, " It is mentioned in the book of Joshua, chap. x. that “ the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, and hasted not to go down, about a whole day.' Were the sun and moon truly above the horizon, for the space of 24 hours, for was it only the light of these heavenly bodies, that was retained, and thus rendered miraculously visible?" |
