Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB
[ocr errors]

Now, I don't know what my reader's opinion may be, but I think that I'm acting the part of the labouring man's friend" in just reminding you that those who labour for the welfare of men's souls are not over paid, if they receive as much for a whole year's service as an Italian fiddler can earn in an hour.

The moral of the whole is, that the inequality of the rewards of labour is not confined to any one class, but runs through the whole of society; and the cause of it is not political, as the would-be orators try to persuade you, but moral. The fact is, that as long as men's lusts and passions have the upper hand, those persons who pander to sensual gratification, will be lavishly supported; whilst those who minister to the real welfare of their fellow creatures in things temporal or spiritual, will have a far inferior share in public favour; and will, in many instances, be grudged even a moderate maintenance.

LABORATORY OF HEALTH,

British chancellors or foreign fiddlers. I don't within one's income whether it be great or small:, and (in too many instances) how much unkind care how much the pockets of those who frequent and this is a sort of independence that a great and ungrateful treatment endured by a set of them are taxed. If they don't like it, let 'em leave many might enjoy, if they would but be steady inen, most of whom possess talents and advan it. Touch 'em up, Pag., I say!-make 'em pay and sober, and take home their week's wages tages of education to which, in almost any other for't! They can't expect to have such Orphic to their wives without paying toll at the pot-house. walk of life, an ample and honourable compensanotes as thine at the price of common catgut! Now, my fine fellows, my honoured customers, tion would have been freely awarded. What, complain of £300 an hour? pshaw! they before we knock off from this subject, just let me do but show that their grovelling souls have no have a word or two more with you. And first, by melody in them. Three hundred pounds an hour! way of caution to prevent mistakes, let me say why 'twill hardly find thee in resin, man!-a bare something about Irish labourers. I own, I wish nine pence a scrape of the fiddle-string upon a fair there were not so many of them this side the wacalculation! By-the-bye, I'm informed that iny ter. As they brag so much about their " Green honoured friends and worthy customers, the wor- Erin," I wish they would keep to her; and not shipful company of craftsmen, are in high dudgeon come over here to this barbarous land, at the risk about this Paganini and all his crew. of spoiling their pronunciation !-but having Now let me reason with you a little about the made so free as to say thus much, I must now be matter. You think it a monstrous shame that a permitted to add, that there's a wide difference wandering Italian fiddler should get £300 for just between Irish labourers, and Italian fiddlers. scraping a piece of catgut for one single hour; Whilst, then Pag. is getting his ninepence a scrape, and you wonder at the Pack-o'-ninnies that support don't let's grudge poor Put his ninepence a day. this Pag-a-nin-i,—and think it an exorbitant piece Pat's no foreigner; he's a fellow-subject. He of extravagance. Let us talk the thing over a bit. helped to fight our battles: and he'll help to do it And first as to the justice of the fiddler in asking again whenever 'tis needful. Besides, the poor felsuch a price. Why we all know, that the value of low didn't mean any harm in just stepping across a thing is what it will fetch. If all people were of the channel. The pigs were all a-coming over, and the same mind as you and I, why then Italian fid- Pat didn't know how to part with his old chums: dling would be at a discount-a mere drug in the so he thought he would ship himself in the same market. But there's just the same reason for the bottom with the dear crater, sink or swin; and advance upon Italian catgut, that there is for the here he is, and how to get back across the herring rise on Cajeput oil; and that is because every brook. Pat doesn't know for the life of him; and To Mr. Nott. body will have it cost what it wil!; and of course, so he's forced to turn the wheel or make mortar we can't blame the dealers for making their for some of you gentlemen; so don't be angry for the benefit and instruction of the labouring SIR, AS I understand your paper is intended market. Well, this is all I can say in vindication with poor Pat; only get him just to send word classes, no subject, I conceive, is more connected of the fiddler. And now, with respect to the con- over to his country cousins not to be in too great with their welfare than attention to the preserduct of those who go to his shop. 'Tis very ex- a hurry to come over, for that they are already vation of health. As I am a bit of a doctor. travagant, you say, and a sad waste of money that fifteen in a bed in Mursh-street, more or less; so myself, (my mother having been a doctress) I shall might be better employed; and, perhaps some, that the new comers will have but a poor chance take the liberty, if you approve the plan, of occa whilst they are saying this, may be in the act of for the blanket. And, moreover, if they venture sionally sending you a few hints on this subject, drinking away their last sixpence at the ale-house, over here, the cholera will be sure to catch'em; especially as I know from observation, that the and leaving their children to famish for want of a and so they'd better, by all manes, stick to the land poor have very mistaken notions about the proper morsel of bread, Now, surely, it isn't for such to of buttermilk and sing " Erin go Bragh." So much ineans of attaining this blessing. talk about the extravagance of their superiors.-in a way of explanation; and now for a few hints Neither is the propensity to squander away money in a way of inference. Whilst fiddling is at so upon theatrical exhibitions confined to the more high a price, don't let us bear so hard upon other wealthy. I was credibly informed of a case in professions, not less useful in their way-for inwhich a poor woman having been given a loaf of stance, people complain of the price of Law. bread for the relief of her necessitous family, sold Whilst Pag gets his three hundred an hour, don't the loaf for a shilling to go to the play! Doesn't grudge the Lawyer his six and eight pences! And this beat the rich man's play going extravagance then with respect to PHYSICK, there's a great outout and out? But why do I mention this circum-cry about the high price of physick-but only and his family closely pent up in a small room, stance? simply to shew that the disposition to consider; why a first-rate physician doesn't ex- taking pains to shut out every breath of air, even make every sacrifice for the gratification of the pect more than his guinea, (I suppose a sovereign to the stopping the key-hole. senses and passions is not confined to the rich. wouldn't soil his hand) for every visit; well, then, I called on a poor cobbler the other day who It is a disease common to human nature. It is the doctor must call at three hundred doors and was at work in a garret; the greater part of the owing to the corruption of the human heart.- feel the pulses of three hundred patients, and write room was occupied by a bed, over which hung And, by the way, this is one of the chief reasons three hundred prescriptions, and submit to be several cages filled with a variety of birds, which why theatres and fiddlers' pockets are full, and overhauled by, on an average, fifteen hundred seemed not to have been cleaned out for a month poor men's bellies are empty. It is because all anxious relatives, and be obliged to invent reme- at least. In a corner, near the window, was the that ministers to sensual gratification is so eagerly dies for those that have diseases, and to invent poor man stitching away, with old shoes and sought after both by rich and poor. If the rich diseases for those that have none-and all this to leather and tools strewed all about. Then there didn't squander so much money on French wines, earn just as much as Pag. can sweat out of one were such heaps of old rags and filth about the French cooks, and Italian fiddlers, he could afford piece of cat-gut in an hour! So pray let us hear room, and such a smell, foh! it almost made me to give a better price for the necessaries and com- no more about the dearness of physick. And sick to be there only ten minutes; and what must forts of life, and thus help his poor neighbours in now for DIVINITY. While Pag. gets his 3001. an be the effect of breathing such corrupt air all day the best possible way, by finding employment for hour, don't grudge the parson his pay. Why if the and all night too? And yet the honest cobbler them; and, on the other hand, if the poor man parson can get appointed to a nominal 3001. a year, seemed quite unconscious that he was drawing in didn't waste his time and money at the ale-house 'tis thought a great thing; and he is gazetted disease with every breath. He was very poorly, and Political Poison Shop, he would soon be as amongst the "preferred," and becomes an object he said, and didn't know what ailed him: I pointed independent and as happy as the best gentleman of envy. I'm told, upon good authority, that if out to him the necessity of opening his window, in the land; for independence consists not in all the livings in the diocese of Bath and Wells and of throwing open his bed clothes as soon as having a large income, but in being able to live were equally divided, they wouldn't average 2501. he got up, to admit the free air of heaven into a year each to the beneficed men, to say nothing his apartment, assuring him that by adopting this of curates at 58. or 5s. 6d. a day! and for this how plan every morning he would soon find the benefit many sermons must be preached, how many sick of it, in being able to set about his work with visited, how many parochial duties performed, more spirit and good humour, and would not fret, how many offices of benevolence rendered? Yes, and fume, and get out of sorts every time he

The fiddler is hired by the night; but I am informed that he is actually engaged in performing only about an hour, for which the newspapers say he arks £300.

I am, Sir, your sincere friend,
SOLOMON HEAL-ALL.

No. 1.

On the Importance of Fresh Air.
How common a thing it is to see a poor man

snapped his wax end, or if the children cried; doing that in six months which might well have unfavourable state of things, a turn of mind which but would go through his day's work with such required an apprenticeship. To it therefore they it is more happy to possess than to be born to an cheerfulness that he had been before a stranger to. went, and there was such knocking and hammer- estate of ten thousand a year." This was the I found it very hard to persuade friend Crispin ing, and chipping, and sawing, and such "smoak sentiment of David Hume. and I wish some who that the quality of the air he breathed had so and oakum" as never was seen in the Dock Yard would perhaps despise the sentiment of an inspired much to do with his health; but whether people before-no, not when the French were coming! Apostle, 1 Tim. vi. 6, may be induced to ponder will believe it or not, I can assure them 'tis a. However, what with working double tides, and this just sentiment of the infidel historian. Decertain fact that health depends almost or quite what with John Bull coming into the yard every pend upon it, if the great mass of the people as much upon fresh air as it does upon good food. I day bullying and swaggering, and blackguarding could but be induced to act upon this principle wish I could shew some of the poor creatures who the workmen because they didn't get on as fast as of looking at the favourable rather than the unstive themselves up all day and lie sweltering toge- he wished, the job was so far forward towards favourable side of things and characters, instead ther all night-I wish I could shew them the Michaelmas, that the shipwrights were all prepar- of the universal propensity to murmur, and rail colour of their blood; why 'tis just the colour of ing for a launch. The flags were flying, and the and find fault, it would be a happy thing for old stale bullock's liver, a dull dead crimson; whereas spectators were waiting in crowds, and the people England, if the same individuals would but take pains to on deck were jumping, and the ship began to I could say a great deal in a serious way suited breathe the fresh air, the colour of their blood move, and the guns were preparing to fire a royal to the introduction of a new year. I could talk would presently turn to a fine bright healthy salute, when all of a sudden the ways broke, and to you about the uncertainty of our continuance scarlet. This is no pretence, but a real fact. No the vessel lurched and stuck fast, and there she is in this life-an uncertainty immensely increased one can think what a difference there is even in to this day, except that the shipwrights have got by the threatened approach of the pestilence. I the very colour of the blood of a man who takes the teackles out to try to put her on her legs again. could draw from these considerations motives not exercise and breathes fresh air, and that of a man But she's sadly damaged, and wants a compleat only to look well to ourselves and set our house who sits still in a close room all day. Let, then, overhaul. Now, I do hope that John Bull will in order, but motives to live in peace one with those whose employment confines them much to profit by this lesson, and not put himself in a another. Surely we could not squabble and fall the house and to a sitting posture, take every flurry, and be in such violent haste. Depend out so among ourselves, if we duly considered how opportunity to fetch a walk in the morning and upon it, the old proverb's true, "the more haste little a space of time we may have to live here breathe the fresh air. Depend upon it, there will the worst speed." Had John given the ship car- together. Life is too short to be spent in contendbe no time lost by it. Some poor mistaken fel-penters a little more time, they might have put ing one with another about matters which are as lows think when they are low spirited in the morn- the job out of hand decently-but as it was, the the small dust upon the balance compared with ing, that a noggin of gin or a pot of purl is the time was almost all wasted. Besides, whilst all the concerns of another world. But I'm afraid best thing to tune their nerves with; but let them hands were about this one job, all other "or- you'll say that Job Nott turns preacher, and as I take my word for it, or rather let them not take ders" were of course at a stand; and that's hope you all went to the house of God on New my word, but try the matter by actual experience, one great reason why trade has been slack. The Year's Day, and had these subjects pressed upon and I'll forfeit all claim to medical skill if they shipwrights were so busy upon the new govern-you by more competent advisers, I will now close don't get more good, and find themselves more ment model, that they had no time to attend to with repeating my earnest desire that the year on braced up by a walk before breakfast, or even a the merchant service, and so all that sort of craft which we are just entered, may be far happier than mouthful of fresh air let in through the lattice, was left neglected. Now, I've heard that its to be the last, and that it may be an æra of liberty in than by the best pot of purl that ever was brewed. better ordered this year, that the workmen will the true sense of the word to thousands. As for your regular dram drinkers there is but give all departments of the dock-yard their proper" He is the freeman whom the truth makes free, little hope of them; their livers are rotten, and share of attention, and only just have a spell at the And all are slaves beside-There's not a chain all their insides as full of holes as a cabbage net. big ship now and then between whiles, and then "That hellish foes confederate for his harm, there won't be so many hindrances to business." Can wind around him, but he casts it off Another great reason for the want of employ is the "With as much ease as Sampson his green withes." sad unaccountable trick that some of John Bull's spurious offspring have taken to play with fire. They complain of want of bread (though by-thebye I remember it more than double the price it I hope that the year upon which we have just now is, when wages were better) and they want entered, will be much better employed than the to have lots of foreign corn brought into the to state that "Job Nott the younger," who wrote. In reply to the inquiries of "A Friend," I beg last has been, and then it will be happier. Tis country, and yet they go and burn and destroy the the reply to Beverley, is one of my six-and-twenty almost beyond belief what a deal of valuable time farmers' wheat ricks! Then again, they complain cousins; and was, I think, christened after my hohas been thrown away during the past year in mere of want of work! and go and burn down the fac-noured father, who was regarded as the patriarch of talk and squabble, only because the people wanted tories that are in work! and, to come home to the whole tribe of the Nott's. It was partly with a to have one of the most difficult jobs that ever was our own city, people cry out that there is no view to distinguish myself from this Job the younger undertaken just done up in a crack. trade, no money going; and yet they destroy the I'll tell you how it was. One morning, last property of their more wealthy fellow-citizens, February, John Bull happening to take a turn in and put it out of their power to employ them. H. M. Dock Yards, saw an entire new model upon There can't be a doubt but that many trades are the stocks. Ah, says John to the foreman what's suffering at this present time in consequence of courtesy; but I don't promise to unravel all the intriN.B. I have answered the above question out of that to be called? "The British Constitution," the late atrocities. People have got no heart to cacies of our pedigree. The Nott's are a large family, said the foreman, touching his hat, she's intended lay out money in furniture and clothes, &c. &c., and there have been several Job's amongst us, it being to take the place of the old vessel of that name, when they don't know but their houses may be quite a favourite name with us; but as there were which has been reported leakey, out of repair, burnt to-morrow. So my good friends, if you many" Cæsars," and yet One greater than all, who and not sea-worthy. Ah! says John, she looks really wish for better times, act like reasonable was emphatically designated by that name, so there a fine model-when will she be launched? why men, and contribute to set forward the welfare have been many "Job Nott's;" but yet One greater 'twill take at least three years, replied the fore- of society by every man's doing his proper work than all: and that was my honoured father," Job man, to get her put together in good style, so in his proper place. As my friend poet Woodby Nott, the buckle-maker of Birmingham, first cousin that the timber should be well seasoned, and every says: joint well fitted. "Three years," cries John-" if tisn't done in six months I'll blow ye up-every mother's son of ye. I'm so pleased with the model that I'm determined to have her got ready for me to take my autumn cruise, in company with the Royal William ;-o tackle to, you lubbers.Well! as John was so up in the boughs about it, the shipwrights thought there was no help for't, but they must set too in good earnest, and aim at

A WORD IN SEASON.

Job Nott most heartily wishes all his friends and honoured customers a happy new year.

"Let me and you our duty do.
Each in his several station,"
instead of every one neglecting his own proper
work to run after news, and politics, and things
beyond his measure.

And then, to be willing to be happy is half the
battle.

A celebrated writer says of himself, " I was ever more disposed to see the favourable than the

CORRESPONDENCE.

COWPER.

that I took the title of the "Bristol" Job Nott. By-the-bye, I have received a letter from my Cousin Job, in which he expresses much satisfaction at the commencement of my labours in Bristol,

to the celebrated button burnisher."

"Cobbett's Advice," and the Extract from Serle are received.

Bristol: Printed and Published by J. & W. RICHARD

SON, No. 6, Clare-Street, to whose care all communications may be addressed, post paid; also sold by J. NORTON, Corn-Street, and J. CHILCOTT, Wine-Street; Mrs. BINNS, Bath; and Mr. WHITE Cheltenham.

[graphic]

THE

Bristol Job Nott;

No. V.]

OR,

LABOURING MAN'S FRIEND.

THE LENGTH OF MY TETHER.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 1832.

[Price 14d.

However, Job Nott trusts that John Bull swallows and of their effects on the animal system, withthe trash merely because the political and infidel out being thereby convicted of keeping a gin quacks are so assiduous in drenching him with it! shop; so he may speak of the use and abuse of Job Nott trusts that John is not such a foul feeder politics, and of the effects which they produce on as that nothing but black broth and political hodge the social system, without being convicted of being Perhaps some of my honoured customers mayn't podge will suit him; Job hopes, too, that John a dealer in the article. And certainly 'tis as needknow what a tether is; therefore, I begin by ob- will turn off the French cooks that have been ful to warn men against intoxicating themselves serving that a tether is a cord by which a horse pampering his palate with political ragouts, a la with politics, as it is to warn them against inis fastened so as to allow him to feed on the sur-mode Française, and that he may again be brought toxicating themselves with gin. It is, therefore, rounding grass; only he can't graze beyond the to stomach English fare, especially if it be spiced the part of the "Labouring Man's Friend," length of the cord; or as they commonly say, can't and seasoned a bit; and, perhaps, by degrees John earnestly to admonish his readers not to waste go beyond the length of his tether. may even be brought round so as to relish the their time and beggar their families by running Now, Job Nott has got a tether, and he can't plain old English cut-and-come-again dish, called after politics. And there is, perhaps, no place go beyond the length of it; and its very necessary common sense. However we'll try. where this advice is more needed than in Bristol that the public should know this, that they mayn't But, hush! all this behind the curtain, for For what is it that has burned our houses, and expect more from Job than he is able or willing John's very sickly; his palate very squeamish; and filled our gaols with prisoners, and our poor-houses to undertake. Do you ask what Job's tether is if he hears what we're at, perhaps he'll be obstinate with paupers, and produced such a stagnation of made of? I answer law and conscience. The and refuse to take either the medicine or the diet. business as the city isn't likely to recover for a law won't allow him to do some things which All this aside as the play-inanagers say. long, long while, perhaps never? I answer all this otherwise he would willingly do; on the other Now to return to my subject. I've told you is owing to running after politics- no matter hand, conscience restrains him from some things one thing that Job can't do, because his conscience whether those politics were right or wrong, good which the law might possibly allow or connive at; won't let him-he can't pander to the vile passions or bad. Job says nothing about that. But what but Job is desirous not to violate either law or of men by any thing scurrilous, indecent, or pro- I maintain is, that it was owing to the labouring conscience. Job Nott's paper is not like that se- fane. Now I'll tell you something that Job can't classes getting their heads so full of political ditious periodical sold at the poison shop, "pub- do because he is restrained by law. He can't notions, and listening to would-be orators, and lished in defiance of law, to try the power of might give news, because the law forbids it; and a very thus getting discontented, and idle, and ripe for against right," On the contrary, Job Nott's paper proper law doubtless it is, for if every dull, stupid, mischief, that these calamities have come upon is published in subservience to the law, to try the jacobinical fellow were at liberty to give currency us. Job's tether, short as it is, won't hinder him power of TRUTH against FALSEHOOD, of LOYALTY to his insipid but pernicious literary catlap, by spic- from expressing this his honest opinion; and I against SEDITION, and of RELIGION against IN- ing it up with the excitement of news, the poison would earnestly entreat my honoured customers would spread far more rapidly than it does. There to take this advice in good part, and to go quietly I'll tell you another thing, which Job Nott is a great outcry about the liberty of the press, but about their proper work, and not to suffer themwishes to try, and that is, whether the public mark, who are they that raise this cry? why the selves to be duped by a parcel of political mouninterest can be kept up by a weekly paper con- veriest political incendiaries of the day-those who tebanks, who are seeking to rob them of their ducted in a style suited to the working classes; are raving and foaming out their own shame, and time by drawing them away from their work; to and yet totally void of the ribaldry, scurrillity, pro- seeking to tear the whole texture of society to rob them of their money, by enticing them to faneness, and other filth and feculence with which pieces. These are the men, forsooth, who cry squander it in drink; to rob them of their senses, too many of the periodicals of the day, especially out against restrictions of the press! Did you ever by raising such extravagant expectations as no those circulated amongst the labouring people, are know a mad man approve of strait waistcoats? power on earth can realize; and, in fine, to filled; whether, in short, it isn't possible for a pe- There's another thing Job can't do. He can't rob them of their GoD, by infusing into their riodical publication to obtain public favour without write upon politics. And this Job doesn't care minds infidel notions, and teaching them to desits being stuck as full of libels, scandals and invec- much for; because, as I told you in my first pise that blessed book which alone can lead them tives, as plums in a pudding-it were, perhaps, more number, Job is no party man. But though Job to peace here, and happiness hereafter. Beware appropriate to say as spots on the belly of a toad, or can't talk politics, yet it doesn't follow but of those men who seek to inspire you with disas quills on a porcupine!-for such, alas, may be re- that Job may deal out a little good advice about content; they will first make tools of you, and garded as too true a description of some of the preci- the use and abuse of politics. Like as he may then leave you to reap the bitter wages of your ous so-called literary productions of the present day. talk of the use and abuse of spirituous liquors, folly and credulity!

FIDELITY!

FRUITS OF GOOD ADVICE.

every man comes to the book, the prisoner is directed so it comes off at last. Cruel wretches! what would to look him in the face, and if he has any (good) rea- Englishmen think of men who were to say of a poor In my "Word in Season" the week before last, son to dislike any of the jurymen, he may object to fellow being, tried at the bar, "jurymen, if you I exhorted you my worthy friends, to be quiet them. When a jury that the prisoner approves is don't condemn him, I'll stab him; or jurymen hang when the judges came in; and I'm very glad to fered to give any hearsay evidence, but to speak to may hang and kick in misery a quarter of an hour; sworn, the trial goes on. The witnesses are not suf- him up, and let the halter be so placed that he hear, (for I didn't go myself, but followed my real matter of fact within their own knowledge. When or if it is half an hour, or three quarters, it does not own prescription, which is more than every Doctor they have done, the prisoner, or his counsel, may ask matter so he dies within the hour! And then, if any does; but as I was saying, I'm very glad to hear) them what questions they please. After all the evi-discreet person gets up to speak, the most boyish that you followed my advice, and that most of you dence has been heard, the judge, who takes it all conduct ensues; a downright battle royal; some stopped away; and that those of you who were down in writing, repeats it to the jury for fear they wringing noses, others kicking shins, some boxing. present, behaved very orderly, and that not the should have forgot it, and then they bring in their &c., is this a parliament house of equal representaleast disturbance took place. See the fruits of verdict. If guilty, and it is a capital crime, sentence tion? O shame! shame! shame! And what are we good counsel. "Followed thy advice, Job, ah, is pronounced in the most awful and solemn manner, to think of those fellows who are come over here to ah, ah! Prythee, man, don't make such a block- and a proper and decent time allowed for the unfor- stir up a revolution to produce such work as this; tunate man, or his freinds, to apply to the King and what of our countrymen who encourage, approve, head of thyself-canst really be so conceited as to make his peace with God. And finally, if mercy and try to defend such conduct?" think that thou hadst any thing to do with it? cannot consistently with the good of society be surely, it doesn't follow that because you recom- extended, he is allowed a minister of his own difference between English and French justice. So far is my honoured father's account of the mended 'em to be quiet, and afterwards they were choosing to go with him to the fatal tree, to comfort quiet, that therefore, it was owing to thy recom- his soul in his last moments! Blessed privileges! It may be proper, however, to remind you, that mendation surely, that doesn't follow!" Now, Blessed England!! Besides this, let us ever exult what he says of the tyrannical manner in which I say it does follow; at least if it didn't follow, it that an Englisman's house is his castle. The most the law was administered, or rather in which all came after, and where's the great difference? Its a sturdy bum-bailiff dares not so much as draw the law and equity were outraged in France relates to mere quibble upon terms. I'm sure they can't prove latch-string of the feeblest man's door to molest him. what took place at the time of the National Cona non sequitur and say it doesn't follow, when 'tis And again, we go to what place of worship we think vention, a sort of GREAT POLITICAL UNION, which plain matter of fact that it did follow; for Job living under our own vine and sitting under our own which took upon itself to govern the nation. May proper, and serve God in our own way; is not this was set up in France, during the revolution; and Nott gave his advice on Thursday, and the people fig-tree. Is not this, (every mother's son of us) be, the French have got something a little more were quiet on the Monday after, so that there's enjoying our own loaf and cheese? Blush, ye vile like justice now that their monarchy is restored; all the connexion between cause and effect that men, and hide your diabolical faces, who would wish but, I own that I never read an account of a modern logick requires. By-the-bye, I asked cousin to persuade us we are unhappy and want such a go- French trial, but I think of the blessings of English Nehemiah, who understands the thing scientifically, vernment as the French have got." and can chop logick with the best of 'em-and says he, “to be sure, it clearly follows, as clearly as the minor follows the major, and the conclusion A poor man might be apprehended and imprisoned comes after both." If you don't quite understand for months without knowing for what, or without this, I dare say they can explain it at the Me- his wife and family knowing any thing of him; and chanics' Institute. But to return, Job Nott when brought to trial, his judge is his jury.' And having advised, and you having done accordingly, those men who say there is no God. Here is poor now, let's see the conduct of the present governors, and the obedience following upon the precept, Louis Capet and his wife, as they call them, accused Q. E. D, I can't but express my high approbation of sundry crimes; they are confined without being of your conduct, my honoured friends and cus-permitted to see each other; their accusers would tomers; and 1 hope and trust, that having proved have denied them, if they durst, even a copy of their the good effect of following my advice, you will go on as you have begun, and then the world will be convinced that the people of Bristol are not enemies to the laws, but are loyal and peaceable at heart: and that it must have been some strange foreign fire brands or other, that got in amongst them, and beguiled them into such outrages as lately disgraced our city.

[blocks in formation]

"If the poorest man is accused of a crime he must be legally apprehended by warrant, then taken before a magistrate, where be must see the man who accuses him, and hear all he has to say. After this, at the assizes or sessions, a jury of gentlemen by being put to the bar." Judge Ashurst says" this is a cauthe evidence weak, the prisoner is not even disgraced, by

called the Grand Jury, examine his accusers, and if they think

tion unknown in any other country,"

"Upon the Grand Jury writing a single word on his indictment, the man is discharged; but if they find the evidece good, then the man is brought to the bar, his indictment is read to him, a jury is then sworn to give their verdict according to the evidence; and as

IN FRANCE

Justice. No wonder that De Lolme, a Frenchman, was so empassioned an admirer of our Institutions; I wish some Englishmen were equally sensible of their value.

ESSAYS TO DO GOOD.
No. 1.-NOTHING LIKE Leather.

J. N.

As Cotton Mather published his " Essays to do indictment, or any counsel; the accusers are to be Good," I don't know why Job Nott shouldn't do the judges; the accusers are to be the witnesses; the the like. And in laying the foundation of my accusers are to be the jury? Is this the way to be- benevolence at the very basis of society, I begin by gin their liberty? Is this a specimen of what you asserting that there's nothing like leather, but wicked men want to reduce happy England to? Hea- mind, not any leather, not morocco leather, no, Ahitophel's, into foolishness, that you may not be a no, but good sound well-tanned shoe-leather. ven avert the danger, and turn your council as he did nor (chamois) shammy leather, (no sham for Job) by-word and proverb, among all the nations on earth. To come to the point; I have long thought that

If the French were a brave or generous people, the benevolent part of society are not sufficiently why did they not prove it to the world, by acting alive to the importance of providing shoes for those generously? If their cause was good, why not act

manly, and depend upon its justice. Had they done who are destitute of them. In giving a labouring
this, every nation would have been friendly; for, I man shoes, you give him money, food, medicine,
believe, every body was pleased when the yoke which clothing, and knowledge. How is that to be made
the poor in that kingdom laboured under, was about out? why I'll tell you. You give him money
to be thrown off; but when they proceeded with because a penny saved is as good as a penny got."
violence in every step they took, and disgraced hu- Now the poor man gets it may be 12s. a week; but
man nature when they slaughtered men and wo- then a pair of good strong shoes with nails in 'em
men like oxen, in cold blood, and like savages drag- fit for him to trudge about in, costs him from 10s.
ged and exposed their naked bodies about the streets, to 12s. so there goes a week's pay in a pair of shoes
every good and honest man turned his back upon for himself, to say nothing of his wife and children;
them. They talk of liberty, but its only talk, God
knows, for they jump up and make laws in less time so that I think the poor fellow finding 12s. in his
than I can file a pair of buckles; laws which knock pocket at the close of the week, instead of having
down liberty. They try a man for an offence com- to pay it to the shoe-maker, will acknowledge that
mitted in times past, when there was no law against in giving him shoes you have given him money.
it. This is never done in England. Their enormities, But secondly, you give him meat. This he will
indeed, would fill a book as large as a Church Bible. thankfully acknowledge when his wife has been to
What do they deserve for their vile ingratitude to the market with part of the twelve shillings, and
whom even his enemies acknowledge to be as humane him shoes you enable him to work and provide food
poor King whom they have got into their power, and brought home a shin of beef: but besides, in giving
and good a kind of man as breathes; a man who ever
since he came to the throne has studied the good of for his family. Thirdly, you give him medicine
his subjects. One Worthy gets up and tells the as- This is plain, if you'll allow that there are pre-
sembly that he will stab him, if they don't condemn ventive medicines as well as restorative ones,-for
him. Another starts up, and cries, cut off his head at I'm quite sure that half the consumptions that
a blow; or if it is two or three blows it don't matter poor people get are owing to their feet not being

kept dry. I'm sure also, that if a doctor be called other respectable individuals, who had come to the world amid the alarms of this hour of strife in to prescribe for a labouring man who is obliged the spot from curiosity, or with the benevolent and confusion. Thus there were innumerable to go about his work, he has as much need to look wish of helping the sufferers. Some were offering sufferers throughout the city; and the effect of at his shoes as he has to feel his pulse; and to send to sell stolen goods to the by-standers, or holding highly agitated feelings on a feeble frame, and the him to the shoe dispensary, as to the medical. mock auctions. Port, claret, and champagne, were want of prompt medical assistance, in some cases, That in giving shoes you give clothing is self- held up for sale at 1d. or 2d. a bottle. A piano- proved fatal. evident, since shoes are clothing for the feet; and forte, worth £40 or £50, was bought from the The strongest-minded man needed all his as to my last position that you give knowledge, thief for a few shillings, and afterwards restored patience and energies to bear the sight of the though that may seem a sticker, 'tis as plain as to the owner. Carts and cars filled with beds, property which he had gained by long and patient can be, for in the first place not having to spend tables, chairs, plate, and stolen goods of every industry, perishing by the pitiless hands of the his last penny in shoe-leather, he'll be better able description, were rattling along the pavement to spoiler and incendiary. But even the prospect first to provide himself with the Bible, the best of receiving houses in the city and neighbourhood. of heavy loss and embarrassment, and all the noisy all books:-secondly to buy some good whole- Others, with characteristic indifference to the horrors of the tumult and burning, were less some religious publications:-e. g. to take in the future, were taking their miserable enjoyment of appalling to look upon, than the lonely and Christian Guardian, the Cottoge Magazine, the the present hour. Seated in companies on the unprotected streets, where only bands of thieves Friendly Visiter, or some such excellent periodi- grass, they greedily devoured the provisions they and other flagitious persons, were wandering about; cal, and though last, not least, he'll have three had stolen, and quaffed the wines which were entering the public houses and demanding liquors, half-pence for Job Nott! Now I ask if you don't handed about in great profusion. Men and women thundering at the doors of private dwellings and thereby give knowledge? Add to this, that the and boys were seen knocking off the necks of the calling for money with threats and curses. These commonest of all excuses for the poor children bottles and swallowing the liquors, till they fell sense-things made us shudder to think how the sanctuary not going to the Sunday-School to get knowledge less. To many it was their last horrid meal. Death of our homes might be invaded, and most of all is, "we've got no shoes;" so that 'tis quite clear that was in the cup of drunkenness, and the swift sword when duty called us away from them. But God in giving shoes you give knowledge. Thus you see, of the avenger was soon to pierce them through, watched over us, and made even the wrath of that to give shoe-leather is the very quintessence of and the fires which lighted up their feast were to man to praise him; and in mercy restrained the charity; the very sole of benevolence:-and that be their funeral pile. "Let us eat and drink, for remainder of it. While a large party of the rioters without a pun, for it does lie at the sole, at the to-morrow we die." The midnight assembly, with were attempting to plunder a public house in very base of man's necessities, and of man's its glittering throng, and the sound of the viols and Castle Street, the Doddington troop of Yeomany support. the dancing, has VANITY, VANITY, written upon entered the town. The hopes of the inhabitants it; nor can any mind that has strongly realized by were raised by their arrival, but after spending faith the glorious and solemn realities of an eternal | two hours in the city without affording any assistworld-the judgment day—the infinite blessedness ance, the troop was on its road homewards again. of the redeemed, and the ceaseless torments of the I shall not stop to inquire who was to blame for ruined soul, ever take delight in spending the winged their departure at such a time. hours of a short life in such giddy scenes. The The distant view of the fires from Clifton, Bedman who is striving earnestly to enter into the minster, and the different points of view for several heavenly city, the man who has beheld "The miles around was awfully grand and terrific. The king in his beauty," will not loiter at play with night was dark and cloudy, and rainy betimes. the painted toys and trifles of the world. To Very mercifully, the wind was low, and the flames him whose objects, desires, and tastes are holy and were not furiously borne along: but they rose high heavenly, such pastimes appear folly; to him they in spiral wavy columns, and often threw around would be sin. And although he may not censure a shower of brilliant sparks. The thick smoke his brother or sister for lingering on such doubt- hung over the city like a broad curtain in massy ful and dangerous ground, he would warn and folds, which glared with a peculiar tinge of dark chide, and strive to win them away from it to red, passing into clouds of dun and brown and wisdom's ways, which are indeed pleasantness, black, the canopy of a great conflagration.— and her paths which are all peace. To do more When the fires were at their height, it was as than glance at this subject, is beyond my present light as day for a range of several miles; and purpose, for in the midnight riotous assembly, in this beacon of sedition conveyed its baleful mesQueen Square, the lighter features of vanity and folly sage as far as to the Welsh mountains. The varied were all overspread with the foul ugliness and outline of the city, with its numerous spires, the hideous deformity of sin. Our fallen nature had venerable Cathedral, the lofty gothic tower of there sunk to its lowest pitch of degradation. The Redcliff, standing out in bold relief and dark conscene was said to resemble Hell. Such ruffians astrast, or else brightly illuminated by a sudden were collected there, will be among the earth-born | flash or steady blaze; the glowing water, the reinhabitants of the place of torment. But many flection from the canvass of the ships, and all the A PLAIN ACCOUNT OF THE BRISTOL respectable persons (so called) many of the slaves varying aspect of the sky, as the flames alternately RIOTS.-No. 5.—(Continued.) of fashionable vice and folly, who hated coarseness rose and sunk, or grew faint and pale in the morning and low brutality, but had no hatred of sin, will be light; all these objects formed a scene which it is Two sides of the Square were now in a blaze, their companions during that long eternal night of impossible to paint or to describe as it appeared; with here and there a smoking ruin. Walls, horror. Like those giants in stature and in crime but it will never be forgotten by those who beheld roofs, and rafters were falling in with a momentary before the flood, they shall grow old in wickedness it. Withal it was so sudden and so strange, that erash, followed by clouds of dust and smoke, and and misery together. Oh! who among us shall many as they stood gazing upon it, fancied it was bursts of flame, and frantic yells from the dissolute dwell with them, and with everlasting burnings? a terrible dream, and could hardly believe their erew, who were holding their midnight revels in The streets at some distance from the Square, own senses, or think that others would believe the the open space in the centre. Here were profli- were lonely and deserted; for the inhabitants kept dreadful tale. gates of both sexes collected from the lowest within doors, watching the fate of the burning The real character, which may long escape dehaunts of infamy; the liberated gaol-birds, (birds town with anxious forebodings for themselves and tection in the ordinary tenor of life, plainly shews of prey, birds of night) the bully, the furious and their families and friends. Many sick persons itself on great and trying occasions, which throw besotted drunkard, the swearer, the profane were forced to leave their beds and be carried men off their guard, and cast them upon their person. Some were tossing firebrands into the through the streets. Many an anxious mother own resources. Selfishness and cowardice are houses, stealing wine and provisions, plate and hung over her sick child, her heart beating high exposed, and hypocrisy throws off its mask. The furniture, and wantonly destroying far more. with fear. Wives who had followed their husbands generous and the brave display their true nobility Thieves were fearlessly and openly plying their in thought to the post of duty and of danger, of soul; and above all, the man of solid and exnefarious trade, insulting and robbing the persons were watching the distant fires all night long with alted piety finds God to be his refuge and strength; whom they had burned out of their houses, and fearful eye. And some brought their babes into a very present help in trouble; in whom he trusts

Therefore O ye benevolent individuals, give shoes! give shoes! O ye Cholera Preventive Societies, give shoes! give shoes! Besides, think how many cobblers you'll set to work who are now out of employ!-apropos of cobbling; as societies are the order of the day, I don't know a better notion than to set up a society to mend the soles of his Majesty's subjects. Let there be a general depôt for old shoes-let benevolent persons send their old shoes to this depôt-let cobblers be hired to mend them; and let them be given, or sold at a trifle to the poor, under the direction of a confidential agent, and let the society be called the Crispin Society. If Job Nott should succeed in stirring up some benevolent persons to act upon this suggestion, he will be hailed as the universal benefactor of his species;* and all the reward he claims, is to be appointed an honorary member of the Institution; and that "The Labouring Man's Friend" be regularly read at the shop of the Crispin Society.

•A friend called lately at the publisher's, and left a message for Job Nott, recommending him to study Cobbett's style ;-this friend will perceive that Job has been an apt scholar, and has here got a touch of the truc bombastic.

« AnteriorContinuar »