liberty, and property of every bordering nation, was consumed; and a boundless scene of desolation every where marked its course. The giant was unable to wade through the billows of the Atlantic. tianity. Ar the formation* of the Asiatic Society in Paris, the Baron De Sacy, its President, after speaking of the advantages obtained for the cultivation of oriental literature, by European commerce and intercourse with the East, and remarking that an enlightened and penetrating mind might have foreseen these advantages, alludes to the British and Foreign Bible Society as follows: power and pride of Spain were bro- Obligations of Literature to Chrisken down. Italy was overrun. The king of Sardinia was driven from his country. Switzerland, Belgium, Batavia, Germany, Prussia and Austria, bowed successively to the French armis, and were undone. Every republic on the eastern side of the Atlantic was blotted out from under heaven; and every kingdom also, which policy, or the convenience of the conquerors, did not compel them to leave independent. It made no difference whether the nation was a friend or a foe; was in alliance with them, or at war. Whatever was thought convenient for France, was done; and done in defiance of every law of God or man; of the most solemn treaties, of the most absolute promises. At the very commencement of their career, the legislature made three great public promises; for which they pledged their faith to the world. One was, "that France would make no conquests." Another was, "that she would make war only upon tyrants." The third was, "that she would give liberty and equality to all people, whithersoever ber armies came." With the first of these promises in her mouth, she began the work of conquest at her entrance into the field of conflict; and has done nothing but conquer, or attempt to conquer, to the present hour. While she was resounding the second over the face of the whole earth, she swept away, with the besom of destruction, the republics of Lucca, Pisa, and Venice; the thirteen republics of Switzerland; the republics in alliance with the Switzers; that of the Seven Isles; that of St. Marino; all the free cities of Germany; and the republics of Genoa, Geneva, and the Netherlands. One only remains on the face of the earth; and that, merely because the "The same cannot be affirmed of another cause, which also has powerfully contributed towards the most recent progress which Asiatic literature has made among us. It presents a singular phenomenon, the ultimate effects of which it appears to me impossible to calculate. A project is conceived in the capital of England, for affording, first to the subjects of the three kingdoms, then to foreigners, the means of reading, each in their own language, the Holy Scriptures. The plan is so formed, that the benefits of such an Institution may extend to all, without any obstacle being presented by that diversity of communions into which Christianity is divided. Notwithstanding considerable opposition it is realized. A zeal, truly astonishing in an age in which religion appeared threatened with destruc-. tion, extends itself at first to the greater part of Europe; in a short time it crosses the seas, and, by a combination of unheard of efforts, the Holy Scriptures are translated and published in many of the dialects of the Levant, and of the North and South of Asia, several of which, scarcely ten years since, were not even known by name. We might, doubtless, in contemplating this surprising success, be excited to reflections of an order superior to literary considerations. We might ask our* April, 1822. . selves, what is that Book which seems to open to itself a passage through the most barbarous regions, and to triumph over every obstacle? We may cherish a hope that a seed is there which cannot remain unproductive of fruit for the benefit of mankind. But, to confine myself to the subject more immediately before me, it is sufficient to observe that if the knowledge of languages be indispensable for attaining that of people, the study of Asia cannot but advance, in a rapid and unlimited degree, by means of the translation of one, and that the same book, into the dialects of all those nations by whom it is inhabited; and that the day is not far distant, when the language of the Afghans, or the dialect of the Calmucs, will be studied in London or Paris, with greater facility than was afforded at the close of the last century "for the acquisition of the Arminian or the Tamul." Baptism of Bells. The ceremony as performed in the principal French (Catholic) Church in Montreal, is thus described by Duncan:* I have frequently stepped into this church to see what was going forward. One day lately I learned that two new bells were to be placed in the steeple, and that preparatory to this they were to be baptized! This was a sight not to be missed, and I accordingly took care to be in the church at the hour appointed. The bells were suspended near the centre of the church, from a temporary wooden erection, and near them were a table and some chairs. Soon after we had assembled, a door near the upper end of the church was thrown open, and forth issued a procession of priests, preceded by two boys in white robes carrying a pair of enormous candles, in candlesticks of corresponding dimensions, and two behind carrying a little silver vessel * Travels Vol. II. See List of New Publications in our last No. of oil, and water in a silver vase. The priests were variously attired, some in black, others in white, and a few in gorgeous robes of silk and gold. The boys placed the candlesticks on the table near the bells, and the priests bestowed themselves in the chairs around the table, or on the seats which surrounded the altar; prayers were then chanted, after which an old ecclesiastic in white ascended the pulpit, and addressed the congregation in a pretty long French oration. My knowledge of the language was too limited to admit of my fully understanding the old gentle man's address, but I was informed by those who did, that it was intended to impress the minds of his auditors with the solemnity of the approaching ceremony; and I doubt not that be thought we much needed some such admonition; for the aspect of the congregation was by no means very devout. There was a great crowd present, and with many, as with myself, curiosity seemed to be the most active principle, for they scrambled upon the tops of the pews, and pushed one another so tumultuously, that the old priest twice stopped his address to rebuke us, and on one occas'on, clapped his hands very angrily. and threatened to suspend the cere mony. I must in justice add, that a great number of the auditors were not Canadians. Descending from the rostrum, he was invested with a robe of gaudier colors, and having pronounced a solemn benediction upon the water in the vase, he dipped a brush in it and made the sign of the cross upon each bell, inside and out; accompaning it with the solemn words, “In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti !” Other two then set to work, and completed what he had begun, brushing the bells all over; and then with snow-white towels wiping them both dry. Some oil was then consecrated, with which the sign of the cross was made on a variety of places on each bell, and then carefully wiped dry with a little cotton wool. A silver censer with five coals was next produced, into which some incense was thrown; and after being waved three times in the air, it was held under each bell till they were quite filled with the odorous fumes. please, and the poor ignorant people are taught to believe that their pulling lustily will materially benefit the souls of deceased friends who are undergoing lustration. I stepped into the church in the evening, after the public services were over; there was no light except from the glimmering of the small oil lamp before the altar, but it served to show a number of Canadians on their knees, and a coffin near the entrance, elevated upon a grim scaffold, garnished like our hearses with sculls and crossed bones. This was intended as a symbol of the departed state, to aid dull imaginations and stimulate devotional feelings. Next day, and for several succeeding ones, a board was suspended on the door of another church, inscribed, Two old gentlemen and their venerable spouses now came forward, and one pair was stationed at each bel!. These were the Godfathers and Godmothers of the new members of the holy church; and after having auswered some questions to the satis faction of the priests, they had the honour of bestowing names on their Godchildren. This, it seems, is an honour which is much coveted, and is only conceded to those who are both able and willing to pay handsomely for the distinction. The oldest priest now took hold of the clap-Indulgence plenière pour les Morts,' per, and tolled each bell three times, which was immediately repeated by each of the sponsors. The old couples now produced presents for their bantlings; first a large roll of linen for each bell, which was swathed round it by the officiating priests; then rolls of crimson silk, one of which was richly figured, succeeded by lace or fringes, and the whole was bound on by a plentiful allowance of white silk ribbon. The ceremony was now wound up by a short prayer or two, chanted by the priests, when the large candlesticks were again elevated, and the whole fraternity retired as they had entered. Popery has fallen so much into the back ground, in our native country, that many are probably not aware of the existence of such a ceremony; it is however regularly performed to all church bells in Popish countries, before they take their stations in the belfry, and without it they would be considered as quite unqualified to fulfil the high functions which devolve upon them; one of the most important of which is the ringing of souls out of purgatory. All Saints' day, as it is called, came round during my present visit, when the bells had their hands full of work. In the afternoon of that day, all may ring who Vol. VI.-No. 2. 11 and I was informed that whoever during these days, confessed to a priest, should have forty days remission af ter death of the pains of purgatory. I have seen no Popish processions. except a funeral; I missed, by a few days, the grand ceremony of the Fête Dieu,' which is annually cele brated with great splendour. For the Christian Spectator. To the altar of thy love. Earth, praise our Lord-thou knewest when he was born; O'er thy long hills the heavenly rumour But there's a song too pure for mortal ear, Even on the shores of chaos never faints; Heaven, earth and hell it fills, the devils Man only is too deaf for heavenly songs, EUPOIUS. Keview of New Publications. Letters of William Jay and Corrector, occasioned by Bishop Hobart's Strictures on Bible Societies. (Continued from page 51.) THE Conduct of Bishop Hobart, and of his friends, fully justifies us in taking it for granted, that he is the author of the pamphlets bearing the signature of "Corrector;" and as our aim is to speak of things as they are, we shall, without besitation, speak of Bishop Hobart as Corrector, and of Corrector as Bishop Hobart.* We proceed to make some observations on the manner in which the controversy has been conducted. Mr. Jay tells us in his title, that bis first Letter was occasioned by the "strictures on Bible Societies, contained in the late charge to the convention;" and he at once proceeds to the subject in band, and keeps it steadily before him. Bishop Hobart makes the controversy personal at the outset, and represents Mr. Jay as "an individual, who, several years since, when comparatively a boy, made his appearance in a convention of the diocese of New-York; at that time composed, in addition to the clergy, of some lay gentlemen of the first talents and standing in society; and presuming, as it seems, on a name worthy of all consideration, in an assemblage, and on an occasion, that should have inspired a youth with that trembling modesty which ingenuous youth always feels, and *See documents published in Mr. Jay's third pamphlet. We are assured also, from other sources, that Bishop Hobart feels no unwillingness to be viewed as the author of Corrector's pamphlets. by which ingenuous youth, and even mature age, is always adorned-on ecclesiastical topics, which venerable men approached with diffidence and hesitancy, proclaimed his opina dogmatism, that astonished his auions with a pertness, a boldness and ditors; who then commenced the work of meddling and of mischief, and in every successive convention, to himself; but, at the same time, which he has attended, has been true so utterly unfortunate, as to possess no influence, and almost to mar eveey measure which he advocated; and whose hostility to Bishop Hobart, commencing with his appointment to the episcopate, in 1811, has been manifested, at every opportunity, to the present day."* We regret to see, that this dispoor less obvious, throughout the whole sition towards personalities is more of Corrector's pamphlets. We think too highly of Bishop Hobart's integrity, to believe that this course was from the main question; but yet it intended to lead his adversary away had too much of that effect. Mr. Jay's second Letter is chiefly taken up with a vindication of himself, which his reputation as a man and a which the importance of his cause christian is too high to require, and forbade him thus to undertake. Bishop Hobart is indeed bishop of the is a layman of that diocess. But diocess of New-York; and Mr. Jay this has nothing to do with the merits of Bible Societies. We have there fore regretted to see that Mr. Jay, in his second Letter, has permitted himself to be drawn away to the *Corrector, p. 3. ground which he there occupies; and that he so far fails to "keep his adversary to the point." Accordingly, Bishop Hobart, in his second reply, exults over Mr. Jay, for the manner in which he has put himself on the defensive; and, with no small show of triumph, represents him "prostrate and mortified," and advises him to "withdraw from the arena." In his third pamphlet, however, Mr. Jay redeems himself from this error; and replies to the Bishop simply as the antagonist of Bible Societies. When this reply was made, it seems the Bishop was without resources to meet it; and, taking the advice himself which he had formerly given to Mr. Jay, he withdraws from the arena, covering his retreat with the question, "After the specimen which I have given of the spirit and language of your letter, shall I be censured for the declaration, that any further correspondence with *William Jay" is forhidden by selfrespect, by a regard to public decency, and by the higher cousiderations of christian duty."(a) Notwithstanding this pointed allusion to the spirit of Mr. Jay, we are greatly mistaken if it will furnish any excuse for the bishop, in retiring from the controversy,which will not amount to a virtual confession of defeat. Mr. Jay has written like a man who is master of his subject. He is at times animated and earnest. His. cause does not allow of apathy and tameness. When on the broad ground of Bible Societies and their merits, ne meets his adversary closely and fearlessly, and presses him with the consequences which inevitably flow from the positions taken by all oppoments of these noble and useful institutions. Notwithstanding this, his "spirit," with a few exceptions, is marked, not only by candor, but by respect towards his opponent, as a man and as a Bishop. In his first letter he expressly declares, "While you have not scrupled frankly and publicly to impute (a) Note from Corrector, p. 8. to Bible Societies an unscriptura! character and dangerous tendency, you have refrained from impeaching the motives of their supporters, and have uniformly conducted the controversy with the forbearance of a christian, and the urbanity of a gentleman ;"(b) and again, I am very far from impeaching the sincerity with which you disavow the imputation of being unfriendly to the distribution of the Oracles of Truth;"(c) and concludes with the assurance, "You, sir, have zeal, talents and acquirements, meet for the Master's service," &c. One of the exceptions to which we allude, is the passage in which Mr. Jay, enumerating the opponents of Bible Societies, specifies the Pope, Cobbett, and the "great enemy of our race;" thus bringing them into a very unpleasant propinquity with certain protestants. It is true, he can plead the authority of the Bishop of Cloyne for this association; it is true also that he is careful to point out the difference between the motive which influences the "great enemy of our race," and that which influences the men whom he has thus associated with him; yet all this will scarcely justify the severity of reproach implied in the alleged confederacy. Thus to place an opponent in the same ranks with Satan is wrong in itself, and can subserve no useful purpose in the controversy. But while we disapprove of this reference to the Prince of darkness, we think it perfectly fair in Mr. Jay to refer, as he has done, to the Pope, and to Cobbett; since both these personages use the same reasoning, and almost the same language, which some protestants use, in their management of this question. We should be far from applying the maxim in this case, that a man is to be known by the company he keeps, yet we insist that it concerns every protestant writer, to consider well how he comes to espouse a cause which obliges him to resort, in its defence, to weapons which are common to the (c) p. 47. (b) p. 70. |