raised at an interest of 4 15s. per cent. The additional taxes are on spirits distilled from grain and from sugar; a duty on foreign timber, expected to produce 62,000!.; on pearl and pot ashes, estimated at 26,0004; and on foreign linens, at 71,000l. The duty, on hats has been taken off. On the whole, the financial state of the country presents an encouraging aspect. DOMESTIC INTELLIGENCE. The King's health, as far as a judgment may be formed from the bulletins, has been improving; and hopes have been entertained of his speedy return to the exercise of the regal authority. For ourselves, we confess that we are not free from considerable fears on this point: all, however, is in His hands whose prerogative it is to kill and to make alive, to wound and to make whole. The cause of Sir F. Burdett, against the Speaker of the House of Commons, came on to be argued before the Court of King's Bench ou the 17th instant. The decision of the Court was such as might have been anticipated; and it will serve, we trust, to settle the much-disputed point of the legality of the Speaker's warrant, "The privilege of committal," said Lord Ellenborough, “is inherent in the House of Commous, and cannot be taken from them; and the officer executing the Speaker's warrant, has a power to break the outer door, if refused admittance. In every way in which I can consider the subject, I am of opinion that this action cannot be sustained, and that the plea of the defendant is a good plea."-Judg ment was given for the defendant. The Duke of York is re-appointed to the office of Commander in Chief. NAVAL INTELLIGENCE. On the 13th of March, three British fri gates and a sloop of war fell in, off the island of Lessa in the Mediterranean, with a French squadron, consisting of tour ships of 44 guns, two frigates, and five other armed vessels. After a severe action of six hours, one of the forty-fours and a frigate were taken, and another forty-four destroyed. A third forty-four had struck, but afterwards escaped. The loss of men in our ships amounted to fifty killed and one hundred and fifty wounded. A French frigate, the Dromedaire, has been taken in the Mediterranean, going, with fifteen thousand shot and shells, and ninety tons of gunpowder, to the relief of Corfu. 1 A large fleet of British men of war has entered the Baltic, under the command of Sir James Saumarez. Whether this force has any object in view beyond the protec tion of the trade to and from this country, does not as yet appear. The powers which border on that sea bave shewn no disposition to violate their engagements with France, and we apprehend that no hostile movements against that power are to be expected, perhaps not to be desired, in this quarter. Prussia has as length joined the confederation of the Rhine. OBITUARY. MR. BASIL OWEN WOODD. DIED, March 19, 1811, at his father's house at Paddington, Basil Owen Woodd, aged twenty-three years, eldest son of the Rev. Basil Woodd, rector of Drayton Beau champ, Bucks, and minister of Bentinck chapel, St. Mary-le-boue. He was born July 14, 1787. His disposition was remarkably amiable, generous, affectionate, and tender. His father designed him for the church, and with that view, being of opiniou that a domestic education was least exposed to danger, educated him at home. His mind in early life, at the age of eight or nine years, was the subject of religious reflections; and at that early period he took great delight, when alone, in Bishop Kenu's CHRIST. OBSERV. No. 113. As he Manual for Winchester Scholars. Having made a moderate proficiency in the Greek and Latin languages, and general knowledge, at the age of eighteen his father proposed his entering at the university, when he had the unspeakable mortification to find that his son declined the church. His reasons, which he assigned, were conscientious, alleging that he did not consider his mind sufficiently serious for so sacred a profession. This determination was afterwards a frequent subject of his regret. From this period he applied himself to surgery and physic-a choice which, alas! proved fatal to his morals and his health. By this 2 X means, he became exposed to the snares and temptations with which the metropolis unhappily abounds. His temper was so very lively, unsuspicious, and pliable, that it soon appe red unequal to meet the dangers which surrounded him; while unavoidable exposure to fatigue, late hours, and the changes of this uncertain_climate, added to his own inattention to his health and many indiscretions, made a serious attack on bis constitution, and completely undermined it. All this time he retained his respect for religion, and, however inconsistent himself, admired consistency of character in others. His religious principles remained unshaken, although constantly exposed to the attacks of sceptics and infidels. He always discovered the highest respect for the Bible, and was never willingly absent from public worship. His errors and irregularities were a constant subject of his deep regret; frequently would be make the most serious resolutions to renounce them; and, though nothing could exceed the amiableness of his conduct, when at home, and the tender affection he always manifested to his parents and family, yet, when exposed to the temptations and enticements of the gay and dissipated, he, alas! as frequently violated his resolutions, and brought Hesh guilt and distress upon his conscience; yet still hoping, one day, to gain the victory over himself. The circumstances which immediately occasioned his death, were peculiarly affect ing. On the 17th of ast October, he came to spend a month with his father, at Drayton Beauchamp. His health appcared much recruited, his spirits in their usual high tone, and his filial affection marked with more than common attention. His parents observed, with great satisfaction, a grawing steadiness of conduct, a great dread of returning to the temptations of London, a very close application to study, and an increasing pleasure in religious duties, and profitable conversation. His mind appeared to have gained great improvement from a visit to a pious clergyman, the preceding August, and parental tenderness was beginning to anticipate with trembling joy a rest from anxiety, and a recompence for past solicitude, and that great. est joy of our children walking in the truth, Alas! Dant tatæ, nec ultra esse sinunt. On the 6th of November, his very friendly disposition, always ready to oblige, exposed him to very tempestuous weather and a severe north-east wind; he got wet through, and neglected to change his clothes, On: the Monday following, in order to serve and accommodate a friend, he got out of a hot coach and travelled twenty miles on the out- From this period, as the progress of the December 22.-He said, speaking of his. removal to a warmer climate," I believe but one journey remains for me, that is, to the church-yard; but I feel cheerful and willing, if God appoints it.—I have most tenderly loved you as my father; but what is time compared to eternity? I had much rather die, than recover and return to my former habits." January 6.-He read the Rev. B. Whitaker's Reflections on the Progress of Consumption: vide Christian Observer, 1806. January 14.-His father told him, with out any reserve, that the faculty thought him worse, and that there was little or no hope of recovery. He observed with a Christian dignity," Well, I hope I shall feel this an additional stimulus to prepare for eternity; I certainly wish to live, if it be the will of God; at the same time, if I am but fit to go, the prospect of heaven is far beyond any prospects of this world. I have no desponding fears of death, and God will do what is best for me." He had fine talents for music, and played the orgau in the true cathedral style. His remarks on music were very striking. "I am extravagantly fond of music; it has been a great suare to me; nothing is more injurious than light music. I perfectly approve of your wishing to keep songs entirely out of the house; music ought to be very selectmusic insinuates dissipation, and bad sentiments, by the vehicle of delightful harmony, before it is suspected. Nothing is more injurious than Bacchanalian songs. I have felt worked up by them, till I have forgot all my religious principles, and broken all my resolutions." And, again, speaking to one of his sisters on the same subject, he said, "I do not consider songs merely in this injurious point of view; but light airs, even without words, tend greatly to dissipate the mind; and we do not need any thing to do that, prone as we are to forget God." He retained his love of sacred music to the very last; had constantly a psalm or hymn played on a piano forte in his chamber, every day, till the Saturday before he died; and, as long as his strength admitted, joined in singing at fa. mily prayers. At another time, he said, "Whether I live or die, I desire to be a true penitent; whether I go to heaven or not, I desire to die a penitent; and I desire to die as a sinner, gazing on the cross of my Saviour." He manifested a very earnest desire for the spiritual welfare of others: with this design he selected an epitaph for his tomb, had it pinned up over the chimney-piece in his chamber six weeks prior to his death, and used frequently to read it. He entreated a companion in former dissipations, to read the Bible, and set apart time for prayer. He prevailed on him to promise so to do. His friend was deeply affected, remarked that he had never had such a parting with any one before, and hoped he should never forget it. After this, addressing his father, who was waiting on him, he said, "I am quite grieved that you should have all this trouble. I have most dearly loved you; though, I con fess, I have acted a most ungrateful part to wards you. It was not designed ingratitude, although it might appear so. I was hurried away by temptation. Ah, I have had many miserable hours! what a mercy to be delivered! I hope my conversation will be of use to my poor friend." Feb. 28. He appeared to be dying, but revived. His father said to him, "Though it is agony to my feelings to see you in this declining state of health, yet I see you with far greater pleasure than I did a twelvemonth ago. I remember that I one day said to you, You are in the broad way that leadeth to destruction; you will bring me to my grave; we shall part to meet no more; but now, I trust, we shall part to meet again." He replied, "Yes; 1 doubt not you feel much happier now; we shall meet again, never to part; no, never to part; never to part-an eternal interview! O blessed thought!" March 4.-During the night, his father observed, while supporting him, "My dear, how very thin you are! when will you get strength?"-He replied, after a pause, with a inost lovely countenance of peace and joy, "In another world." His father wept, and said, "I can scarcely bear to hear that." After another pause, he looked at him very affectionately, and said, "Would you not have me go to heaven?-Oh, if it was you ! if you were dying, I should so rejoice to think of your happiness! I should say, My dear father is, I trust, going to everlasting glory. I should not mourn over you, as you do over me" He could only speak with dif ficulty, but his mind seemed much engaged with this subject, and, after a pause of some time, he proceeded, "I often sit, and think of leaving you and my family, and many whom I love." Then, lifting up his eyes to heaven, full of tears, yet smiling, he said, “O, I think, with such pleasure, how I shall meet you all at the right hand of Christ! When you come to heaven, with what pleasure shall I come and meet you! with what pleasure shall I welcome your arrival!" March 5.-He remarked, "I think it a great blessing that I bave had so good a mother; I have not been able to appreciate her worth; I think I am only doing myself justice to say, that I have always avoided any thing that I thought might hurt her. I shall be glad to see her in the kingdom of glory. It is a great mercy that we have had so much family harmony;" and then,, addressing his brother, said, "If ever we treat her with unkindness and disrespect, the blessing of God will not follow us." Sunday, March 10.-When his father returned from the monthly catechising of the children at Bentinck chapel, he said, "It is ten years since you began these public catechisms; how time flies! well, in twenty-five years, we shall probably meet again, and all that I love: Oh, what a sweet thought, to part no more for ever!"-After this; with tears in his eyes, he said to his father, "I wish you to live-I hope your lite will be a great blessing to the children in the schools and in the congregation. I wish you to live as long as you can be useful, and then I hope you will be removed without a lingering illness." Again he said, "My death also may be a mercy of great extent-so many of my acquaintance will know of it;-in the vast circle of our connections among children, and in the schools, it may be of great use." He alluded to the number of 400 children, who usually attend at the chapel. March 13. He remarked, "It has been a great mercy that I was a medical man; it has made me aware of my danger; otherwise I have felt occasionally so revived, that I should have imagined that I was on the point of recovery. It has kept me from deceiving myself. As Cowper says, "There is mercy in every state," &c. About this period, the prominence of the bones of his back was so great that there was a necessity for the application of plasters. He bore it with great patience, but could not help exclaiming, "O what am I come to! I little thought that I should ever come to this; but what a mercy is it, that I am surrounded by kind friends..... Pray for me, that I may have grace to help me in time of need." March 15.-Addressing a younger brother, he said, "Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of God. That is the best life; I know it by experience;" and again said, "I hope my death will prove his life. Should my death prove life to his soul, I shall think it an object worth dying for." His father had been speaking to him on the subject of receiving the holy con.munion, and it was proposed that he should begin to communicate on the approaching Easter, being one of the three grand church festivals, if his life was spared till that time. He sig. nified his wish and intention to receive it, and observed, "I feel the same high reverence for all church institutions as you do. I think of all days, Good Friday' seems especially suited for the communion, being the commemoration of the very day when it was first instituted, Lut I should not think of delaying it on that account." After com menting a short time on the words, " D❤ this in remembrance of me," he said, "We ought to bear in mind this mercy more frequently. Whenever we partake of the bounties of Providence, whenever they gratify our taste or our sight, I mean every common mercy we partake of, it ought to be, with remembrance of him." "O bow happy would our lives be, if we always felt so!" After this he repeated an hyun translated from a German version of the 63d Psalm, and which often, when in health, he would sing while he dressed himself. "In blessing thee with thankful songs, March 19. In the morning, being greatly oppressed with convulsive faintings, he said, to his constant attendant, E. D. "This is hard work, hard work indeed; but God will support me through it.” After the physicians had been with him, his father said to him, "O how should I rejoice to see you recover! but I cannot see you suffer without suffering myself." He waved his hand and said, "Do not talk of my sufferings. My sufferings are light, and just; my sufferings are not more than I deserve: my sufferings are less than I deserve. I have acted very wrong; after such an education, and such friends, and so many; but I acted as if I had been possessed by the devil, and hurried away by him. I have acted like a madman." His father said, "What a mercy that you have now escaped the snare! I feel that I owe an eternity of praise to God for his goodness towards you." He replied, Yes; you must see me now with far greater pleasure than formerly; how would you have felt had you seen me sinking, and without any just sense of religion!" His father said, What a mercy is it, that you feel so calm and happy! what is it, my dear boy, that you derive this comfort from?" He replied, cast myself, as a sinner, on the cross of my Saviour: I rely on him alone; and I trust I have repented truly of all my sins." I His father, after this, shewed him the dying prayer of the venerable Richard Hooker; and, upon his expressing his wish that he would' introduce it in prayer with him, kneeled down by his bed-side, and used it as a form of prayer. He repeatedly said, "How beautiful!" After which his father proceeded with tears and prayers to implore, if it were the will of God, he might yet be restored; but, if not, he commended his child to his God and Saviour, praying for an easy dismission, an abundant entrance into the kingdom of heaven, and that, when he departed this lite himself, his child might be permitted to come and meet him. To this the expiring youth with great feeling added, "Amen: Lord grant it." 339 of temptation, to live soberly, righteously, and godly: then will they be fit to live, and, fit to die. young people, will, as much as possible, learn He trusts that they, who have the care of Though the remark does not immediately.' to keep them out of the way of temptation. apply to this case, he cannot forbear observ About half past two o'clock, he asked for his favourite book, Dr. Doddridge's "Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul," and reading, that the prevalent custom of masters of part of the 11th section of the 13th chapter, entitled, The Christian honouring God by his dying behaviour. He observed, “What precious promises! These are precious promises indeed!" He continued some time reading with great pleasure and attention, perfectly collected, and apparently revived. About half past three o'clock, his father had scarcely left the room, when he was seized with a kind of fainting fit, and said to his attendant, "I am over-fatigued: 1 have talked too mach, I have seen eight persons to-day." Refreshment was offered him; he could not swallow it. He said, "It is of no use, it is of no use!" He then felt his own pulse, and remarked, "This is hard work; this is a dying pulse: I never felt-I never feltI never felt such faintings as these before; it will soon be over." This he spoke with surprise, but not with terror. His attendant said, "Well, sir, I hope you feel happy: in the prospect of death." He replied, with a calm placid countenance, "O yes; perfectly so." She added, "You will soon see your Saviour." He replied, "Yes; face to face; and taking her by the hand, said, "I hope we shall meet again." Shortly after, le said, "Call my father." His father, on coming into the room, found him in a cold shivering fit, with profuse perspirations running down his face and neck. He said, "I am very bad." His father replied, "Yes; but you are in the hands of a good and gracious God. Now is the time to look up to your Saviour." He smiled and said, "I do in deed." His father added, "You have blessed prospects: all is glory, glory, before you." He said, "O yes; I trust so."-Then lifting up his dying eyes, he said with a faint voice, "My mother!" These were his last words. He just looked at her; then dropped his eyes-drew three long breaths, at long intervals and at a quarter before four expired. ་་ The writer of this memoir, tenderly feeling for the temporal and eternal welfare of young people, cannot refrain from the following short observations.-He trusts this narrative will admonish them to remember their Creator in the days of their youth, to avoid bad company, to fly from the avenues families sleeping at country-houses, when no confidential person is left at home to con pils living at lodgings, where no superintroul and watch the youth; and that putendant eye presents the least restraint, is an evil to which thousands have fallen victims. O let compassion and religion make some sacrifice for unsuspecting youth! mulate parents early to sow the seeds of re-. He trusts also that this narrative will stiligious knowledge. The deceased youth had been accustomed, at an early age, to repeat Gastrell's Christian Institutes,&c. and to comthe Catechism with Scripture Proofs; Bishop pose, once every week, on a religious subject; the gratitude with which, on his deathbed, he acknowledged the blessing of a religious education, was quite overwhelming. : He trusts also, that should such parents, after all their care, experience disappointment, they will be encouraged by this narrative divine blessing. still to persevere, and wait and hope for the During the period when the deceased was unhappily led astray by the deceitfulpriated more time than usual for prayer on ness of the world and sin, his father approhis behalf; conversed with him as formerly on religious subjects; remonstrated with him kindness; wrote to him, when absent, in an on his conduct; always treated him with every means to catch his attention, conciaffectionate manner; and persisted in using liate his affections, and win his heart back to the ways of God. This plan, by the Divine blessing, appears to have succeeded. When religion resumed its influence, his immediate language was, I will arise and go to my fahistory of a most tenderly beloved child, the ther. In reviewing the short and affecting father, whose heart bleeds over his tomb, feels apprehensive lest he did not sufficiently guard against the avenues of danger, watch lest he failed in the affection which he now the first rising of the root of bitterness, or indeed deeply feels was due to his child. One grand solace, however, still remains: "This my son was dead, and is alive again; was lost, and is found." Vale, vale, at non in eternum." |