Spanish character, they shewed their mortal hatred as well as the women and children, who saw the of the Christinos (revolutionists), and the oppres-devouring element raging below, were now heard sion they had received from the brigands. . . . || at intervals; and although orders were given to fire I shall never forget one old woman, almost in rags,|| only on the men, it was often impossible to distinher grey hair floating dishevelled about her neck, || guish the dark figures which flitted before the light, who came up to the captain of a company with endeavouring to obtain an instant breath of air out whom I was in conversation, and, probably mistak- of the smoky atmosphere. It was repeatedly proposed ing him for a superior officer, doubled her shrivelled to them to let the women and children out; but they rehand in his face, and shrieked out a volley of in- || fused. .. The bells had all fallen in, and packets sulting epithets, which she concluded by invoking of cartridges were continually exploding. Towards the curse of God on all our heads, if we retired like morning a few faint cries of Viva el Rey!' (in false cowards, and left a single one of the nigros token of submission), were heard from the women; (revolutionists) alive. Having inquired of a by- and the commandant of the tower inquired if quarstander who was this fanatic, we were informed that ter would be given them. He was answered, 'No: she was an old weaver of a neighbouring village, the men had none to hope for. . . . . The comwhose only son had been shot that day fortnight-mandant said, they could bear the heat and smoke having been dragged out of bed by the Urbanos no longer, and asked if they would be allowed the (town-radicals), it was supposed for having carried consolations of religion before they suffered death. tobacco to the Carlists-the only transgression || Zumalacarreguy replied, that the Carlists never yet he had been guilty of. On account of the popu- denied them that, but not to flatter themselves lar excitement against them, it became necessary with the hope of mercy. The commandant then to destroy the garrison at all sacrifices, unimpor- || said that they surrendered . . . . The flames were tant as it was in any other point of view, lest the || by this time nearly extinguished, but the smoke had inhabitants might say that the Carlists could not proved more intolerable than the fire. When ladafford them any protection against their tyrants, ders were placed to the church-roof, and the voand levied rations on them without utility. lunteers went up to receive their arms, they shot one soldier, and an officer was wounded. The men who fired were bayoneted on the spot. One, in particular, who defended a narrow ledge, and was struck in the breast by a volunteer, fell from the top of the steeple headlong at our feet. The rest made no resistance. Three women, one a prisoner, and four children, had perished; and above thirty of the garrison, either in the church, by the smoke or the flames, or by the shot of the assailants. Those that remained were so blackened by the smoke, that they presented a most ghastly appearance: with considerable difficulty they were got down over the roof of the church, which, although the steeple had been burning for ten or twelve hours, had never taken fire. "With some difficulty, the two 4-pounders taken at Vittoria, and which at that time constituted all the artillery we possessed, were brought to bear on the church-gates, which were lined with heavy sheets of iron. The gates having been burst open, || with the loss of only three men wounded, the volunteers rushed into the church; but were only able to surprise one or two of the enemy, the rest having retreated into the steeple, of which the staircase had been broken away, and where they had most strongly barricaded themselves. As they obstinately refused to surrender, and it would have taken too much time to undermine the massive walls of the old steeple-in which act, the approach of a column (of the enemy) would probably have interrupted us-it was resolved to set fire to it. Piles of wood, tow, goat-string full of brandy, and other inflammable matter, were collected at the foot of the steeple, and the fire applied . . . . We now perceived, from the sound of voices, that they had women in the steeple; and upon inquiry, were informed that, independently of the fifty Urbanos, there were in the steeple eight women and eleven children of their own families, besides two women and two monks, their prisoners. Here was a striking picture of the horrors of civil war. . . . At about ten o'clock at night the tower was all in flames; but the garrison, retreating higher and higher, obstinately held out, and kept up an incessant fire on every object that presented itself. The shrieks of some, however, who had taken refuge in corners of the building where they were reached by the flames, "The scene in the morning was extraordinary, when the volunteers were allowed to pillage the tower. Being unable to descend the ladders, all the lower part of the tower being still red-hot, without losing hold of their property, they threw what had not been consumed,-corn, biscuits, powder, cartridges, chocolate, old guns and muskets, which had been taken from the peasantry, and many articles of value-down from the steeple to the ground. The dead bodies they met with, some half-consumed, were also thrown down to be buried. There were amongst the number the corpses of several infants. Their heavy fall, sixty or a hundred feet, had an appalling effect on the soldiers, intent as they were on scrambling for the spoil obtained by this melancholy expedition. The inhabitants of Villafranca, however, appeared to have no such feeling, and were with difficulty prevented from massacring and pity and compassion are obliterated by ruthless the prisoners. The women in particular, as I have cruelty. generally remarked in such cases, were the most violent." It will be remembered, that the commander of the captured garrison was the son of Ximenes, who was guide to the opposite party. The writer of the narrative gives an affecting account of the last interview between the father and son. It seems that the Christinos had recently murdered so many of their prisoners in cold blood, that Zumalacarreguy, according to the custom of civil war, was resolved to retaliate; and, notwithstanding the entreaties of Ximenes, his son was doomed to death. Before his execution they were allowed to see each other. "When I heard," says Capt. Henningsen, "that Ximenes was come to see his son, I could not help feeling a thrill of horror; and we were all about retiring, when the prisoners begged us to remain. The meeting and the parting, for the last time on this side the grave, between the father and son, who, however divided in opinions, were still united in blood and in affection, which they in vain endeavoured to control-was a heart-rending scene. Ximenes had sacrificed two fortunes, and the ease and independence of his old age, to his duty; and he now saw his eldest, and once his best-beloved,|| son about to suffer death, with the consciousness that he had done his part to bring him to so bitter a punishment. He had resolved at first not to trust himself with an interview; but the prayer of his son, against whom all animosity was now extinct, he had been unable to refuse. "Ximenes, whom I knew much both before and since, although advanced in the vale of years, is still hale and healthy, short in stature, sharp-featured, and || grey-haired. I shall never forget, when he entered the room, his son's throwing himself at his feet, and the expression of his countenance, as the tears started in his grey eyes, and rolled over his weather-beaten cheeks. In an instant they were locked in each other's embrace. Retiring into the alcove, they conversed earnestly for some time, but not, from what I involuntarily gathered, until the last, about the possibility of saving him. As the father took leave of him, we heard him distinctly and earnestly say,- - Is there no hope, then?' You must pray for it to God,' replied the old man, as he tore himself away A day or two afterwards, having been tried by the auditor of war, the prisoners were shot. I have often seen Ximenes since. He still continues to serve us with the same zeal, and has been on many and dangerous expeditions. But he is visibly altered, and has always a settled gloom and melancholy on his countenance." This is a picture of civil war, to which every country is liable, when men are induced to listen to the seduction of agitators, and their evil passions get the mastery over religion and the laws. All classes alike suffer the most dreadful calamities ; Poetry. THE GNIPEN, OR WOOD-SPIRIT. A NORWEGIAN LEGEND. IN the twilight morn of the waning year And his tread you might hear o'er the leaves dry From Drontheim towards the north. Nor of man nor of ghost had he fear; And still as he goes the green trees fade; For he hews him their branches all; But the Gnipen he marked him as he stood And the boughs so good of the merry greenwood, "Now by our joyous greenwood king, The birds they shall sing where green boughs spring, The Gnipen has donned him a cowl so grey- So Swain, he took of his woodsman's food When by him there stood in the merry greenwood "O tell me, O tell me, thou woodsman bold, For since bells have toll'd o'er wood and o'er wold I have wandered alone in the greenwood bower; And the forest is wild and bare. Yet an thou hadst toil'd one day with me Small woe would it be 'neath the greenwood tree Though I bear of St. Francis the rigid yoke, And, woodsman, my stroke might fell the oak, Then loud laugh'd Swain, in scornful cheer: "Come rid thee to-day of thy rule, And bid thy arm rear, 'stead of monkish gear, But fells it yon oak ere close of day, Whose branches o'er us tower, May the Gnipen grey bear my soul away At the chime of evening hour!" He reck'd not that friar of his smile or his frown, And never word he spoke ; But he sat him down in the shadow brown Of the lofty gnarled oak. Now sank the sun to northern men, And sank on Drontheim's tower; And there wanted then but nine strokes or ten Then sprang from the ground that friar, and spake, "For my rule I'll take, and the greenwood's sake, This single stroke of mine." The oak he has struck it but once and no more, And it fell with the roar on the rocky shore And darker grew that friar grey, And tall as Drontheim's tower; And still as the hailstones o'er him patter, [chatter, He hears the loud clatter, while still his teeth In the biting evening blast. THE BAPTISM OF THE PEASANT AND THE PRINCE. (Jan. 25, 1842.) BY THE REV. R. S. HAWKER, M.A. I CLIMB'D a poor and narrow stair, A travail'd woman lay! With covering thin, and scanty vest, Her babe was on her arm; It was the strong love in her breast That kept that infant warm. I came, a country-minister- To bless that mother's child for her, The dim light struggling o'er the room And thus, 'mid woe, and want, and gloom, Then said I-for the woman smiled, As she took back her son "Be glad! for lo, that little child Be glad! This very day they meet With blessing and with vow to greet The offspring of a Queen. Bright faces beam in banner'd halls, And princes teach the echoing walls Yet will the self-same words be said Must bless that princely brow. One Cross, the twain shall seal and sign An equal grace be pour'd; One Faith, one Church, one Heaven will join The labourer and his lord!" "Thanks be to God!" in language mild, The humble woman said, "Who sends such kindness to my child Here in its mother's bed! And bless our Queen with health and grace! O, one smile of her baby's face Notices of Books. Rutilius and Lucius, or Stories of the Third Age by Archdeacon Wilberforce (Englishman's Library) deserves a far more elaborate notice than our space allows us to indulge in. Apart from containing the essence of many years' thought and reading, and yet introducing these stores of learning so as to form a most interesting narrative even to the unlearned, it is the first effort-we need not say a successful one-in a kind of literature which has long been needed. Here are developed the various systems of heathen philosophy, the principles of Christianity, and the primitive forms of Christian worship, as well as their results, illustrated by various characters in different situations of life, and under the influence of feelings which find a ready response in every human heart. The reader will generation as those of Egypt, Greece, and Rome." find an extract in another part of our Magazine—The chief obstacle to prosecuting inquiries has though it must be confessed that no extract can convey an adequate notion of the general power and beauty of the volume. The History of Pews, a Paper read before the Cambridge Camden Society, and Mr. Paget's Milford Malvoisin, or Pews and Pewholders (Burns),-expose most effectually the abominations on which they treat. While one gives us a learned detail of the history of pews; the other exemplifies their practical evils in a very interesting and amusing manner-if a subject can be amusing in connexion with which some of the worst passions of human nature are developed. It seems clear beyond all doubt that pews were unknown in England previous to the Reformation; and that they owe their origin to those who, dissatisfied with that great movement, sought to shelter themselves by pews during the non-observance of those customs which our reformers enjoined; such as bowing at the name of Jesus, standing at the Gloria Patri, bowing towards the altar, and receiving the holy communion kneeling. The profaneness, therefore, as Pocklington well designated it, that is and may be committed in close and exalted pews, the Churches of God did and do detest. But there is another reason, which in our utilitarian age will have still greater weight: pews are less economical than open seats, and would, in many cases, spare the expense, to say nothing of the nuisance, of erecting galleries-20 per cent, or one-fifth of the available space in the floor of a church being lost by the most economical pewing. Whatever shews the working of the pew-system cannot fail to be interesting to our readers; and we recommend the perusal of these works; though, perhaps, they may think with us, that in both the satire is at times a little too keen; and that in Mr. Paget's volume there is now and then something like exaggeration. : Mesopotamia and Assyria, from the earliest Ages to the present Time; with Illustrations of their Natural History. By J. Baillie Fraser, Esq., author of "An historical and descriptive Account of Persia," &c. with a Map and Engravings. 12mo, pp. 380. Edinburgh, Oliver and Boyd. THIS being the first No. of the Edinburgh Cabinet|| Library that we have had occasion to notice, we gladly bear testimony to its general respectability. The present volume should be read rather for information than for amusement. The revolutions of which Mesopotamia and Assyria were the theatres have been so rapid and stupendous as almost to destroy any thing like a unity on which the mind may rest. Babel, and Nineveh, and Babylon, and even the Bagdad of the Caliphs, have so completely vanished from the earth, that the antiquarian in vain seeks to recover their probable sites. Thebes, and Petra, and Palmyra, though they be numbered as entirely as the cities of Mesopotamia with the departed, have yet left some vestiges of former greatness, which, from their very loneliness, are the more striking. With Babylon and Nineveh it is otherwise; though Mr. Fraser thinks that "there is good ground to hope that the secrets of the country, historical, geographical, and antiquarian, will ere long be laid at least as open to the present hitherto been the predatory character of the native Arabs; and whether that will yield to any thing but force remains to be proved. Mr. Fraser's opinion, however, is entitled to respect, since he has himself visited these countries. The volume contains a full account of modern Babylonia. We must add, that the cost of it is extremely moderate. Evans's Sketch of the various Denominations of the Christian World, &c. A new edition. London, Longman. WE regard this book (let not delicate ears be offended) with precisely the same feelings that we should regard the Newgate Calendar,-as a painful record of the waywardness and wickedness of the human heart. Indeed, had not the title-page displayed the name of an author and an editor who are said to be high in the estimation of dissenters, we should certainly have imagined that it was the device of some enemy of all religion. Is it really a fact, that more than forty sects of persons calling themselves Christians are now to be found in England? "Is Christ," we may ask with the apostle (1 Cor. i. 13), "is Christ divided?" Is it possible that there are Christians designating themselves by the title of "Dunkers" or "Tunkers," "Jumpers,' "Muggletonians," ,""Universalists," "Shakers," and "Mormonites?" Or is this "an enemy" who has invented such a tale? Can a numerous body of Christians, unmindful of the apostle's question (1 Cor. iii. 4), really mean to call themselves "followers of John Wesley?" Must we credit the assertion that this has split into no fewer than twelve recognised disect, which is yet scarcely one hundred years old, visions, besides other "smaller bodies," which the Yes: so it is stated by the dissenting author and writer says "it would be tedious to describe?" editor of this book; and, as we shall now shew, there is, withal, a manifest endeavour to conceal the worst features of dissent. One or two instances of this kind shall be mentioned. 1. The Presbyterians are said to have withdrawn, or rather been excluded, from the league of "the three denominations," because they followed the voice of their consciences, which was to them the voice of God and duty." Would the Christian reader, who had been happily ignorant of all this miserable history, imagine that the real ground of the separation was, that the Presbyterians no longer acknowledged Christ to be the Son of God? But the most singular perversions of the truth are to be found in the history of the Wesleyans, to one portion of which body it appears that the editor of the volume belongs. He entirely passes over the history of their gradual departure from the wishes and principles of their "father," both during his lifetime and subsequently to his decease-how he opposed the lay-preachers, the administration of the sacraments, the meeting during the hours of the Church-service 66 but was constrained to yield. There is also another little history, which we should recommend for insertion in the next edition. After the death of Wesley, it was violently debated whether or no "Conference" should ordain ministers; and, in order to settle the question, it was determined to cast lots. The lot was adverse: it was resolved, in consequence, that Conference should not ordainexcept in London. We believe that there are documents in existence which prove this fact beyond all dispute; and if it be true, it is certainly the most singular instance of hypocrisy on record. One faint ray of pleasure gleamed upon us, however, in looking over this book-which was, to find that the compilers have not dared to write the name of Churchmen among the "denominations." No: it is an involuntary testimony that the Church stands upon a foundation wholly different from Dissent. We thank them most heartily for the acknowledgment. Methodists and Mahometans, Deists and Dunkers, Jews and Jumpers, may do well enough together; but Heaven forfend us from such company! THE Rev. Robert Eden, M.A., rector of Leigh, Essex, has published an Address to the Wesleyan Methodists in his Parish (Rivingtons), just such as every clergyman should circulate. It is earnest, and temperate, and convincing. During the first 100 years of their existence, the Wesleyans (as Mr. Evans, in the book already noticed, has shewn us) have split into more than a dozen subdivisions, and have "gradually softened down their peculiarities; in the same time, they have also, as Mr. | Eden proves, renounced almost all the fundamental positions of their founder. Where, then, is the next century likely to find them? We would earnestly suggest this question to all "followers of John Wesley." The careless Christian reminded of his Privileges, warned of his Danger, and urged to repent without delay. By the Rev. G. W. Woodhouse, M. A., Vicar of Albrighton. Wolverhampton, Simpson; London, Rivingtons. FROM the notice which we had seen of this book in a contemporary usually very trustworthy in its reviews, we had hoped to be able to recommend it as an addition to the shelf of "practical divinity." We regret to say that it has disappointed us. As a preacher, we doubt not Mr. Woodhouse is very effective; but his style is far too oratorical for the closet; neither are his definitions of doctrine sufficiently precise. Miscellaneous. SPURIOUS LIBERALITY. We are walking on a narrow ridge, with precipices on either side. The tempter is busy among us endeavouring to shut our eyes to a twofold danger. A spurious liberality would persuade us that all creeds alike are ways of holiness and salvation, and that "the form of sound words" is, after all, matter of indifference. This danger being perceived, Satan is tempting unstable minds in the opposite direction, and persuading them to adopt one form of antichrist rather than another. Let us be on our guard against either of these temptations. Let us, on the one hand, avoid every compromise with Dissent; let no word or deed escape us which can be construed into a blindness or indifference to those errors. Let us be charitable towards our dissenting brethren, kindly affectioned, patient, beneficent after our power; but in matters connected with religion give them no || countenance by any co-operation of ours; let us in such matters refuse the right hand of fellowship to those whose hands, whether intentionally or unintentionally, are employed in tearing the seamless vesture of Christ. Yet not less so, on the other hand also, let us watch and pray, lest we enter into temptation. There is something about the Romish superstitions attractive to the fancy, nay, to the very senses of the natural man-the pretence of antiquity, ancient rites and usages, venerable errors. Let us pray that our hearts and senses be not overtaken by these temptations.-Dr. Jelf. THE TITLE TO THE CHARACTER OF TRUE BELIEVERS ASCERTAINED. A tree is known by its fruit; the workman is known by his work. Whosoever, then, shews these works, and brings forth these fruits, hath an infallible argument, that the Spirit of God, the earnest of his salvation, dwells in his heart; that his faith is a true saving faith; that his believing is no presumption, no false conceit, no delusion of the devil, but the true and certain motion of God's own Spirit. The rising of the sun is known by its shining beams; the fire is known by its burning; the life of the body is known by its moving. Even so certainly is the presence of God's Spirit known by the shining light of a holy conversation; even so certainly the purging fire of grace is known by the burning zeal against sin, and a fervent desire to keep God's commandments; even so certainly the life and liveliness of faith is known by the good motions of the heart, by the bestirring of all the powers both of soul and body to do whatsoever God wills us to be doing, as soon as once we know he would have us do it. He that hath this evidence hath a bulwark against despair, and may dare the devil to his face; he that hath this hath the broad seal of eternal life, and such a man shall live for ever.- -Mede. PRACTICAL RELIGION AMONG THE GREEKS.The piety of the ancient Grecians, and the honourable opinion they had conceived of their deities, doth in nothing more manifestly appear than in the continual prayers and supplications they endued with the smallest prudence (saith Plato) made to them; for no man amongst them that was would undertake any thing of greater or less moment without having first asked the advice and assistance of the gods. . . . It seems to have been the universal practice of all nations, whether civil or barbarous, to recommend themselves to their several deities morning and evening. Whence we are informed by Plato, that, at the rising both of the sun and moon, one might every where behold the Greeks and barbarians-those in prosperity as well as those under calamities and afflictions-prostrating themselves, and hear their supplications.Potter's Grecian Antiquities. THEOLOGICAL BOOKS FOR LAYMEN.-In accordance with the wishes of several correspondents, we publish the following list of theological works, as being, in our opinion, suited to the study of those laymen who are desirous of acquiring sound views of the doctrine and discipline of the English Church. In recommending these works, our readers must not suppose that we wish to make them controversialists, or to lead them into matters which, though indispensable for learned divines to know and discuss, are by no means necessary, or even desirable, to be handled by laymen. How much of the evil |