The Gentleman's Magazine states, that in recently opening a grave in Westminster Abbey, the skeleton of Ben Jonson was discovered buried in an upright position, standing on the head, and with the back turned to the east. The stories of Jonson's eccentric agreement with the Dean and Chapter, for a piece of ground only eighteen inches square, for his interment, and the alleged position in which he was to be buried, which had been generally considered to be absurd traditions, now appear to have been literally true.

We have been favoured by the author, with the loan of a literary curiosity, entitled, “Divinity; or Discourses on the Being of God, the Divinity of Christ, the Personality of the Holy Ghost, and on the Sacred Trinity; being improved Extracts from a System of Divinity," by the Rev. W. Davy, A. B. Curate of Lust leigh, Devon. Printed by Himself; fourteen copies only. 1823. The name of Mr. Davy will be familiar to our literary readers, as the indefatigable author, or editor, and printer of the "System of Divinity" alluded to in the above title; a massy work of 26 thick volumes, compiled and printed under circumstances which well entitle the writer to a conspicuous place in Mr. D'Israeli's "Calamities of Authors." This work, the fruit of a life of labour, ("from the first maturity," says the author, "of my reason, 1763, to the present, 1823,") Mr. Davy was anxious to give to the world, fully expecting that it would not only be extensively purchased and read by individuals, but be "authoritatively placed in churches for the benefit of mankind in general." He began with a tolerable subscription list in 1786; but, this failing him by desertion, and his pecuniary loss being heavy and himself poor, he determined to become his own printer. He accordingly constructed a press with his own hands, and purchased a few old types, with which he commenced his protracted task. In 1795, he had completed forty copies of his first volume, all of which, except 14, he distributed to reviewers, public characters, and learned institutions, hoping by this specimen to ensure a large demand for the whole work. Disappointed in his expectation, he recommenced his manual labours, printing, however, only fourteen copies of the remaining volumes; because, as he says in the work before us, he was unequal to the purchase of a larger quantity of paper, being in the possession of only 401. per annum, in a ruinated and ruinous parsonage house;

and, from the paucity of his types and skill, able to take off but one page at a time, so that, working almost night and day, he would not, up to the present moment, at the age of 80 years, have more than half concluded his undertaking, if a considerable number had been to be struck off. The 26 volumes were completed in 1807 ; and the volume just printed consists of "improved Extracts" from them. The getting up is sufficiently curious; and, among other novelties in typography, the author frequently sticks on sundry slips, riders, and codicils, wherever a new thought has occurred after the page was printed off. We recommend to his friends to consider, whether, under all the circumstances of the case, it might not be desirable to procure a liberal subscription-list for the reprint of the "improved Extracts," to re-imburse the worthy and aged author for a fraction of his life's labour.

IRELAND.

An improved diving-bell is now in use in making a new pier at Port Patrick. It is a square cast-metal frame, about eight feet high, and twenty-two feet in circumference. It is open below, and with twelve small circular windows at the top. When the sea is clear, the workmen are able to carry on their operations without candles. In the inside of the bell are seats for them, with pegs to hang their tools on. On the deck of the vessel from which the apparatus is suspended, is placed an air-pump, worked by four men, to change the air in the bell. In this machine, two or three men work, with ease and safety, 20 or 30 feet under water; and with short picks, hammers, and gunpowder, prepare a bed for the huge masses of stone which re afterwards let down, and bind them together with iron and cement.

The twelve Judges of England have reported their opinion affirmatively, that the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland does, since the union of Great Britain and Ireland, possess the power of conferring the honour of knighthood, as he did whilst Ireland was a separate kingdom.

SWITZERLAND.

In Switzerland, it was the ancient custom of the peasantry, grounded on a particular law, that when a man went to be married, he should take with him his arms and a Bible. Through the poverty and distress of the country during the war, the latter part of this injunction has been, of late years, neglected; but, in consequenee of the impulse given to the country

by Bible Societies, it is now happily

revived.

ITALY.

Sr. Angelo Mai continues to make fresh discoveries in the treasures of the Vatican. Among these, are more than a hundred letters of Marcus Aurelius, Frontonus, and others.

It is intended to establish at Rome an English Academy of the Fine Arts. The Royal Academy of London has allotted a certain sum for this establishment, which is to be kept up by annual subscriptions.

INDIA.

A paper, lately laid before the Calcutta Asiatic Society by Mr. Stirling, contains the following recent particulars respecting the temple of Juggernauth :-" Cuttack owes much of its celebrity to the temple of Juggernauth. The town is calculated to contain 5,741 houses. Every span of it is holy ground; and the whole of the land is held free of rent, on the tenure of performing certain services in and about the temple. The principal street is composed almost entirely of religious establishments, built of masonry, with low pillared verandahs, interspersed with trees. The climate of Juggernauth is said to be the most agreeable and salubrious in India during the hot months. The edifices which composed the great temple of Bhobunsir stand within a square area inclosed by a stout wall of stone, measuring 600 feet on each side, which has its principal gateway guarded by two monstrous griffins, or winged lions, in a sitting posture on the eastern face. About the centre of the great middle tower, Burra Dewall, or sanctuary, in which the images are always kept, rises majestically to a height of 180 feet. Standing near the great pagoda, forty or fifty temples or towers may be seen in every direction. The famous temple of Juggernauth, in its form and distribution, resembles closely the great pagoda of Bhobunsir, and is nearly of similar dimensions. It is said to have cost from 40 to 50 lacks of rupees." The dreadful fanaticism which formerly prompted pilgrims to sacrifice themselves under the wheels of the Juggernauth rut'h, is stated to have nearly ceased. During four years that Mr. Stirling witnessed the ceremony, three cases only of self-immolation occurred; one of which was doubtful, and might have been accidental, and the other two victims had long been suffering from excruciating complaints, and chose that method of ridding themselves of the burden of life, in preference to the

other modes of suicide so prevalent among the lower orders in India. The self-immolation of widows is said to be less frequent in the vicinity of Juggernauth than might have been expected, the average of suttees not exceeding ten per annum. There is this peculiarity, as performed there instead of ascending a pile, the infatuated widow lets herself down into a pit, at the bottom of which the dead body of the husband has been previously placed, with lighted faggots above and beneath. In 1819, a heart-rending spectacle was exhibited. The wood collected for the fire being quite green, could not be made to burn briskly, and only scorched the poor sufferer, who endured the greatest agony, but without uttering a shriek or complaint. The attendants threw into the pit a quantity of rosin, covering the living body with a coating of this inflammable substance, which, attracting the fire, the skin was gradually peeled off, and the miserable victim at length expired, still without a groan.

A singular publication has just appeared in India, entitled, "Humble Suggestions to his Countrymen who believe in the One True God, by Prusunnu Koomar Thakoor. Calcutta, 1823." The author who is an anti-polytheistical Hindoo, says, in his advertisement," My object in publishing this tract is to recommend those to whom it is addressed, to avoid using harsh or abusive language in their religious intercourse with European Missionaries, either respecting them or the objects of their worship; however much this may be countenanced by the example of some of these gentlemen." The writer embraces in his good will, not only all denominations of his countrymen, but Christians also, whom he appears to divide into three sects; Socinians, Trinitarians, and the "constructors of images (Roman Catholics); each of which, he thinks, has a prototype among the Hindoo sectaries. The Socinians he particularly claims as brethren. "Those Europeans," he says, "who believe God to be in every sense one, and worship him alone in spirit, and who extend their benevolence to man as the highest service to God, should be regarded by us with affection, on the ground of the object of their worship being the same as ours. We should feel no reluctance to co-operate with them in religious matters, merely because they consider Jesus Christ as the messenger of God and their spiritual teacher; for oneness in the object of worship and sameness of religious practice should produce attachment

between the worshippers." Trinitarians, however, "are not to be treated in an unfriendly manner;" because, says the ingenious author, " many of our own countrymen, without any external image, meditate upon Ram and other supposed incarnations, and believe in their unity!" This sort of sceptical liberalism seems to be much upon the advance in India; and it should afford a powerful inducement to the friends of Christianity to endeavour to fill up with the divine doctrines and holy precepts of the Bible, the void that will be caused in the native mind in proportion as the increase of knowledge banishes the fictions of heathen superstition. We cordially rejoice at every increase of Hindoo knowledge and liberality; but the following "humble suggestion" is a proof how little of sound theology or intelligible morality is to be expected from Oriental Unitarianism:—“ He who is skilled," says he, "in playing on the lute (veena), who is intimately acquainted with the various tones and harmonies, and who is able to beat time in music, will enter without difficulty upon the road of salvation!"

The college at Serampore is so far advanced as to admit of business being conducted within its walls. Twelve rooms of the central buildings are nearly finished, together with the lecture-room, library, and two suites of rooms for professors.

The number of students now on the foundation is fifty. It is intended in the ensuing year to give the native youths, who are studying English, some knowledge of the first principles of chemistry. The committee propose also to add to the collegiate establishment a divinity professor, and a professor of medicine. To promote the study of astronomy among the native students, an observatory is to be erected. The Serampore missionaries have presented to the library about three thousand volumes.

A meeting of respectable Hindoos lately took place in Calcutta for the purpose of establishing a Literary Society Meetings of opulent and learned Hindoos are to be held for the discussion of subjects connected with the improvement of their countrymen, and the diffusion of general literature. The Society have resolved to translate into Bengalee, and to publish, scientific works; to comment on the immorality and inconsistency of native customs; to point out habits and conduct more conducive to the well-being and happiness of mankind; to publish small tracts in English and Bengalee; and to collect philosophical instruments for public instruction. A house is to be erected for the accommodation of the Society, with a college attached to it, in which the arts and sciences are to be taught.

THEOLOGY.

Thirty-three Sermons, selected from the Works of Bishop Wilson. 2 vols. 12mo. 6s.

The Angel of Mercy, to which is prefixed an Essay on Heavenly Spirits. 8vo. 8s. 6d.

Reason and Revelation, or the Truth and Advantages of Christianity. 12mo. 4s. Letters on Faith; by the Rev. J. Dore. 18mo. 2s.

An Essay on the Resurrection of Christ, by the Rev. J. Dore. 1s. 6d.

A Dissertation on the Fall of Man, &c.; by the Rev. G. Holden. 8vo. 10s. 6d. Strictures on the Plymouth Antinomians; by J. Cottle. 8vo. 2s. 6d.

The Old Doctrine of Faith asserted; by the Rev. J. Carlile.

Jacob, or Patriarchal Piety, a Series of Sermons; by the Rev. E. Craig, A.M. The profits to be given for the benefit of the Moravian Missions. 8vo.

A Selection from the Sermons of the late Rev. W. J. Abdy, M. A. 8vo.

A Sermon on the Death of the Rev. S. Arnott; by the Rev. J. Sargent, A. M.

Extracts from the Diary of the late

Michael Underwood, M. D., consisting of Meditations, Remarks on Scripture, &c.; published for the Benefit of his widowed Daughter. 78.

The Anti-Infidel, continued weekly, price 2d.

Hebrew Dictionary and Grammar, without points, with a new Scripture Chronology; by J. Andrew, LL.D. 8vo. 9s.

Beauties of Dr. Dwight's Theology, with a Sketch of his Life, and an Original Essay on his Writings. 4 vols. 12s.

The Reflector, or Christian Advocate; being the Substance of the Busby Lectures; by the Rev. S. Pigott, A.M. 8vo. 10s.

The Bible and the Church, a Letter to Sir Godfrey Webster; by the Rev. E. Jacob, A.M. 8vo.

A second Series of Letters on the Claims of the Roman Catholics; by Amicus Protestans. 8vo. 5s. 6d.

Memoirs of the Rev. W. Evans; by the Rev. J. Hooper, A. M. 3s. 6d.

MISCELLANEOUS.

A Dissertation on the Age of Homer, 8vo. 2s. 6d. sewed.

Lives of Learned and Eminent Men,

adapted to the use of Children from four years old. 2 vols. 18mo. 5s, with portraits.

The Peasants of Chamouni; containing an Account of an Attempt to reach the Summit of Mont Blanc. 18mo. 2s. 6d. Idioms of the Greek Language; by H. Lockhart, A.M. 12mo. 3s.

The Atlas of Nature; folio, 21. 2s. in boards; with the letter-press, in 3 vols. 31. 13s. 6d.

A Tour through the Canton of Berne, with 17 coloured engravings and a map. 8vo. 11. 8s. half-bound.

Twelve Illustrations of the Book of Common Prayer, engraved by J. Scott, from drawings by Burney and Thurston. Royal 8vo. 10s. 6d.

The History of Modern Greece, from

1820 to the Establishment of Grecian Independence. 7s.

Nature Displayed, with several hundred engravings; by S. Shaw, LL.D. in 6 vols. royal 12mo. 31. 3s.

Five Thousand Receipts in all the Useful and Domestic Arts; by C. Mackenzie. 12mo. 10s. 6d.

Introduction to the Genera of Shells; by C. Dubois, F.L.S. Small 8vo. 12s. Tales from Switzerland. 2 vols. 6s. 6d. An Alpine Tale, by the Author of "Tales from Switzerland." 2 vols. 10s. Dartmoor, and other Poems; by J. Cottle. 8vo. 5s.

An Enquiry into the Accordancy of War with the Principles of Christianity. 8vo.

5s.

NAVAL AND MILITARY BIBLE

SOCIETY.

We are grieved to learn that this highly useful and important Society is under the Recessity of renewing its appeal for a larger measure of public support. We request the attention of our readers to the following statement, which has been forwarded to us by the Committee.

"The Naval and Military Bible Society having for some years past been greatly restricted in their efforts to afford the brave defenders of our country requisite supplies of the Scriptures; and, from their reluctance to reject altogether the many pressing demands on them, having incurred a debt of 1200.; the Managers of this institution have, at length, in compliance with the wishes of several judicious and warm friends to the Society, determined to submit a brief statement of their case to the notice of a benevolent public; and with confidence solicit their aid to extricate them from their present difficulties. To this measure they are encouraged from a persuasion, that our seamen and soldiers, forming a large and most interesting part of our population, will never cease, whether in peace or war, to be dear to their fellow-countrymen; for whose protection and welfare they have ever been ready to sacrifice their own comforts, and expose their lives to the most imminent dangers.

"It has pleased Almighty God, in this our day, to excite among mankind in general (especially in our own happy land) a more than ordinary desire for religious instruction; and, accordingly, we see instiCHRIST. OBSERV. No. 262.

tutions daily forming to meet the necessities of our fellow-men perishing for lack of knowledge. Foremost amongst these, the Naval and Military Bible Society has been labouring with varied success for forty-three years to convey the glad tidings of salvation to that long neglected, but most important class of our countrymen who man our fleets and armies. During the continuance of a long and sanguinary war, many individuals, constrained by feelings of gratitude to those who, under Providence, were the instruments of protection from the multiplied evils which deluged the rest of Europe, were ready to admit their claim as paramount to all others, and admitted it most liberally. But in latter years, this spirit, to the prejudice of our brave seamen and soldiers, has greatly subsided; and many and painful have been the occasions, when, through want of funds, the Managers of this Society have been compelled to pause, and, to a certain extent, withhold the word of Eternal Life from those who were earnestly beseeching the boon at their hands. It might be imagined (and that not unreasonably), that on the arrival of peace, and the consequent reduction of a large naval and military establishment, the demands on the Society for the Scriptures would be proportionably diminished; but that this is an erroneous assumption is evident, as will appear from the abstracts of issues and receipts for the last three years of the war, 1812, 1813, 1814; and those of recent date, 1821, 1822, and 1823. These abstracts demonstrate, that in the war the demands for Bibles were fewer, whilst the 4 R

receipts of money were considerably greater; whereas in the latter years of peace above cited, the demand for Bibles has been much augmented, and the annual receipts of money greatly diminished. The solution of this fact is to be sought for in the formation of regimental schools, and an increased desire in the Navy and Army to profit by the comparative leisure they now enjoy, in searching the contents of that volume which they had not the means of studying with sufficient diligence under the extremities and constant occupations of actual service. To those who love their Bibles, and hail this growing thirst for religious knowledge, this statement will not appear strange, nor this appeal unnecessary. To them, and to all well-wishers of our Navy and Army, (and where is the family that has not immediately or remotely some connexion in one or other of the services?) the Committee would say, Whilst you are contemplating the conversion of a world, let not your brethren at home, especially your soldiers and seamen, remain neglected: their numbers are still great, and their claims inferior to none.' The liberal deviseth liberal things, and by liberal things he shall stand.'"

The abstract above referred to shews that there were issued copies of the Scriptures during the last three years of the peace, more than during the last three years of the war, 8906: That there were contributed by sailors and soldiers themselves, towards the purchase of the Scriptures during the last three years of the peace, more than during the last three years of the war, 1004. 6s. 10d: And that the total cash received during the last three years of the peace, was less than during the last three years of the war by 37347. 8s. 8d.

Under the circumstances mentioned in this statement, the Committee strongly recommend to the friends of the institution to endeavour to improve its resources, by donations or subscriptions; and by the establishment of auxiliaries and associations especially at naval and military stations. They urge the clergy to make congregational collections; officers to sanction and encourage a general subscription,-or a contribution of one day's pay,—or small weekly subscriptions, by the officers and men under their command; and ladies, especially those connected with the Navy and Army, to undertake to raise small weekly or other subscriptions. We earnestly trust that neither their labours nor their appeal "will be in vain in the Lord."

MORAVIAN MISSIONS.

For nearly a hundred years past, and during a period in which the Christian world may be said to have been dead to the interests of humanity at large, the Brethren have continued to send forth faithful, humble, diligent labourers-men not contented to offer a sacrifice that cost them nothing, but quitting all that they held dear in the present world, all the comforts of a civilized home, have given up their lives to the service of their Redeemer; cheerfully exposing themselves to the baneful climate of the West Indies, or enduring, year after year, the rigours of an Arctic winter on the coasts of Greenland and Labrador, without the accommodations, and barely provided with the necessaries, of life. They have persevered in the work set before them, neither yielding to difficulties, nor deterred by dangers and distresses, nor baffled by ingratitude and opposition.

"But it is not only on the excellence and the spirit of the Brethren's missions that we rest their cause, but also on the remarkable success which has attended their efforts. It is to facts that we appeal; to the well-attested accounts of the most disinterested witnesses; and by these it is proved, that the Brethren's missionaries have discovered the right method of dealing with the wretched and the ignorant. In various parts of the world have they assembled around them colonies, gathered from the miseries of heathenism; and brought, not only to a state of comfort, civilization, and industry, but to the knowledge and practice of the Gospel of Christ. The experience of a century has sufficiently proved that the directing principle of the missions of the United Brethren is the principle of practical wisdom; that the spirit which animates them is the spirit of the Gospel; and the success attending their exertions shews that the favour and blessing of the Almighty has rested upon their labours.