very useful services, in promoting the objects of the society. Very soon after the restoration of peace, a letter was addressed by your committee to Mr. Dearborn, requesting his assistance, in furnishing with tracts the vessels, which received clearances at the Custom House-They have re ceived two letters from him, in the last of which he requests an additional supply of books, and renews his expressions of interest in our design. They communicate his first letter, which they are confident will be heard by the society with the gratification, with which it was read by your committee. Boston March 13, 1815. Gentlemen-Your communication of the 9th inst. has been received, and be assured, it affords me great pleasure to learn, that the officers of the society for the moral and religious improvement of seamen, are taking measures to advance the commenda ble objects of that institution. I shall cheerfully aid the society, as far as is in my power; and will take charge of such books for distribution as may be furnished me, and dispose of them to such peons and in such manner, as will best comport with the wishes of the society. With great respect, I have the honor to be, your most obedient servant, H. A. S. DEARBORN, Collector. To the executive committee of the Boston Society for the religious and moral improvement of seamen. Your committee would also inform the Society, that a small collection of prayers is made, and will directly be put to the press, intended both for social, and for private use, in our vessels; with an address to masters, soliciting their concurrence in this part of our design, both by reading prayers themselves at favorable times, and by distributing them among their seamen. We are happy to know that, in some instances, social prayer has been practised in our vessels; and we cannot but hope, that when provided with short and simple forms of devotion, that others will use them. Such examples, with a correspondent conduct, cannot fail of producing important consequences. Aware of the magnitude of their object-of its difficulties and discouragements, your committee have not looked for effects of their efforts, which would be great and imposing. But aware too, that the most important results, in exertions for religious and moral improvement, are often the most unostentatious, they would have committed their design and endeavors with confidence to God, even if they had not yet been assured of any visible, and beneficial consequences. But with the facts before us, which have been detailed in our former reports, and those which we have now the pleasure of presenting, with the increased advantages which we obtain from the return of peace, our prospects are bright, and our excitements strong to increasing exertion. We therefore confidently indulge the hope, that in a cause so interesting, our solicitations for a share of public beneficence, will not be made in vain. G. BRADFORD, R. SULLIVAN, J. TUCKERMAN, W. E. CHANNING, C. LOWELL, G. G. LEE, W. ROPES. Exec. Committee. Humane Society of Massachusetts. THIS Society celebrated its anniversary on Tuesday, the 16th ult. An address was delivered before the So ciety by the Rev. Mr. Holley. The following are the officers for the ensuing year: A. DEXTER, M. D. President. S. PARKMAN, Esq. Trustees, FRAGMENTS OF ANCIENT MANNERS. "THE ancient Scandinavians, who, like other savages, were intemperate in eating and drinking, swallowed large cups in honor of their gods, and to such of their countrymen as had fallen in battle. We learn from the 25th fable of their Edda, which was their sacred book, that to hold much liquor was reputed a heroic virtue." "Anciently people fed but once a day, a fashion that continued even after luxury was indulged in other respects Plato held the Tyrrhenians to be gluttons for having two meals a day -In the reign of Henry VI, the people of England fed but twice a day. Hector Boyes in his History of Scotland, exclaiming against his cotemporaries, says that some persons were so gluttonous as to have three meals... every day." "Leland mentions a feast given by the archbishop of York at his install ation, in the reign of Edward VI. The following is a specimen: 300 quarters of wheat, 500 tons of ale, 100 tons of wine, 1000 sheep, 104 oxen, 304 calves, 304 swine, 2000 geese, 1000 capons, 2000 pigs, 400 swans, 104 peacocks, 1500 hot venison pasties, 4000 cold, 5000 custards hot and cold." Hollingshed who wrote in the reign of Queen Elizabeth says "the length and sumptuousness of feasts are not totally left off in England, notwithstanding that it proveth very beneficial to the physicians who most abound, where most excess and misgovernment of our bodies do appear." RECENT REVOLUTION IN FRANCE. On the 28th of February, Napoleon Bonaparte, having escaped from Elba, arrived at Frejus in France -On the 20th of March he arrived at Paris without resistance-Louis XVIII hav. ing left the city. A more unexpected and extraordinary event, than we have now recorded, has not occurred in this age of wonders; nor one that has excited more alarm in the christian world. Prior to this event a hope had been entertained, that after having suffered for many years the horrors of war, the nations of christendom were about to enjoy a state of general tranquillity and peace. But while the nations were thus rejoicing in hope, they were suddenly aroused from this pleasing dream, as with the shock of an earthquake, by the return of the exiled emperor to Paris. It is indeed remarkable that it should be in the power of any one mortal man, thus to interrupt the joys and excite the fears of a hundred millions of his fellow beings; and to derange the plans and blast the prospects of confederated nations. But when we reflect on the almost unparalleled distress and carnage, suffered by the na tions of Europe, during the rise and fall of Napoleon, together with the recent establishment of peace in consequence of his exile to Elba-and the pleasing prospects which thence resulted; we cannot wonder that his sudden and unmolested return to the capital of France should fill the world with consternation and dread. Like the Chaldean monarch, Napoleon had been the "Hammer" of the Lord, the instrument of divine anger, to punish, and to break in pieces the nations. Although he had recently experienced a terrible reverse in his prospects; yet perhaps his work as a destroyer was not completed. According to the accounts which have been given in the public papers, the loss of lives in the Napoleon wars exceeds FIVE MILLIONS. This may be an exaggerated account; yet there is no reason to doubt that the number of persons who have perished in his wars, is more than double the number of all the men in the United States, between eighteen and sixty years of age. If, however, the French nation should be united, and determined to support him as their emperor, and the allied powers should be united and determined on his overthrow; the slaughter which must ensue, will probably exceed every thing which has yet been known in the days of Napoleon. We are shocked at the prospect of such a scene of carnage, desolation, and woe; and we sincerely hope and pray that God may avert such tremendous destruction of human life. Napoleon, and all the rulers in Europe are in God's hand, and it is possible with him to dispel the dark cloud which has so suddenly made its appearance. He can remove the fears which have been excited, or he can augment them. Perhaps more terrific scenes than have yet been witnessed are neces sary, to open the eyes of christian nations to the antichristian character of war. Considering the restless nature of war ambition and war habits, God may view it as necessary to permanent peace among the nations, that there should be a general destruction of men, who delight in war and blood. It is possible that Napoleon's return to France may be preparatory to such an awful scene in Europe,-a scene in which he and millions of others shall perish by the very custom in which they glory. We, however, do not hazard even a conjecture, as to the consequences of the unexpected event. We barely state what may be regard ed as possible. But if this possible event be comprized in the divine, unerring purpose, who shall live when God doth this! When such a day of his wrath shall come, who will be able to stand? Obituary. DIED, in England, Feb. 19, Rev. CLAUDIUS BUCHANAN, D. D. whose eminent services in the cause of christianity in India entitled him to the respect of the christian world; and whose name will be had in affectionate remembrance, as long as distinguished talents and benevolent exertions shall be esteemed among mankind. At the time of his death he was in England for the purpose of superintending an edition of the scriptures, for the use of the Syrian christians. In Providence, Hon. JABEZ BOWEN, L. L. D. Chancellor of Brown Univer. sity, in the 76th year of his age. In Haverhill May 15, Dr. NATHANIEL SALTONSTALL, aged 69. In Scotland, JOHN DAVIS, aged 108. He used to walk six miles every Saturday to be shaved, until within a few days of his death. In Barrington N. H. Rev. BEnja- · MIN BALCH, aged 74. He died suddenly, while walking in the road. In Atkinson Mrs. ELIZABETH PEABODY, wife of the Rev. Mr. Peabody of that place.-Some notice of her character may probably appear in a future Number. In Charleston, S. C. Dr. David RAMSAY. Ordination. May 17th, Rev. CALVIN PARK, was ordained at Franklin as an evangelist-Introductory prayer by Rev. Mr. Judson of Uxbridge; Sermon by Rev. Dr. Crane of Northbridge, from Thess. v. 25; Ordaining prayer by Rev. Mr. Howe of Hopkinton; Charge by Rev. Dr. Emmons of Franklin; Right hand by Rev. Mr. Wood of Upton; Concluding prayer by Rev. Mr. Fiske of Wrentham. Candidates for the ministry in Cambridge and its vicinity. THIS eminent man was born in England A. D. 1517. Very young he displayed an uncommon genius, and a serious, observing turn of mind. While he was a child, a begging friar came to his father's house, and drank so freely as to become intoxicated. The next morning the friar preached a sermon, in which he spake vehemently against intemperance. Young Gilpin was standing by his mother's knee, and for a time seemed to be affected with the friar's discourse. At length he said to his mother, “Oh! mamma, do you hear how that fellow does speak against drunkenness, and was drunk himself yesternight at our house!" Observing his genius and the turn of his mind, his parents concluded to educate him for the ministry. He made rapid progress in his studies-passed thro' college with reputation-and soon after he took his degree he was chosen a fellow of the college. He was educated in the popish religion, and was appointed to hold a disputation with the famous Peter Martyr on some ques tions between the papists and protestants. By this effort he Vol. III. 25 was brought to doubt the truth of the catholic sentiments. He did not however immediately renounce them; but the more he examined, the greater were his doubts. His antagonist, Peter Martyr, had a high opinion both of his talents and his integrity, and expressed the most ardent desire for his conversion to the protestant faith. Gilpin, having obtained a vicarage in the diocese of Durham, was called on to preach before king Edward IV. This performance gained him many friends, and the king gave him a license as a general preacher during his majesty's life. But finding himself exposed on account of the change in his opinions, he concluded to go to the continent. After three years' absence, he returned, fully confirmed in the doctrines of the reformation, and well prepared to defend them. This was in 1556, a little before the death of Queen Mary. Gilpin went directly to his parish, and began to preach with great freedom and severity against the prevailing errors and vices of the clergy. Soon an accusation against him was presented to the bishop. But the bishop was his friend, and contrived to set the accusation aside. Gilpin became more cautious, but this did not avail. A second accusation was presented; and this also was set aside by the bishop of Durham. His enemies were enraged, and accused him to the bloody Bonner, who readily sent to apprehend him. While on his way to trial, news arrived that Queen Mary was dead. This put an end to the prosecution. Under the reign of Queen E lizabeth, Gilpin was respected. He was offered the bishopric of Carlisle; but this he declined. He had the rectory of Houghton, which afforded an extensive field af usefulness; and a sufficient income, to enable him to display a liberal, hospitable, and charitable spirit. He was not satisfied with preaching publickly; but spent much time in giving private instructions to his people. He felt a serious concern for the youth of his parish, and exerted himself to prevent their growing up in ignorance and vice, and to form their minds to virtue and godliness. He was a peace maker among his people, and did much to prevent lawsuits and oppression. He possessed a remarkable spirit of intrepidity. His bishop had become very negligent of his duty in his diocese. Without giving any previous notice the bishop called on Gilpin to deliver a visitation sermon in his presence. Gilpin complied, and took the liberty of addressing the bishop with awful solemnity, and publiekly reproved him for his remissness. The friends of Gilpin were much alarmed for his safety. But when he went to take his leave of the bishop with a view to return home, the bishop proposed to accompany him to his house. He accordingly did so; and as soon as they were come into the parlor, the bishop seized Gilpin by the hand and said "Father Gilpin, I acknowledge you are fitter to be bishop of Durham, than I am to be parson of this parish of yours. I ask forgiveness for past injuries.-Forgive me, father.I know you have enemies, but while I live bishop of Durham, be secure; none of them shall cause you any farther trouble.” Mr. Gilpin did not confine his labors to his own parish. He was grieved to see the ignorance, superstition and vice, which every where prevailed; and was disposed to extend his labors for the good of those who were not immediately under his care. Before the union of England and Scotland, a portion of the country which was commonly the theatre of the wars between the two nations, acquired the name of the debateable land. On this land a desperate banditti of thieves had settled. They would steal on each side of the line, and what they plundered on one side they sold on the other. They were also much in the habit of duelling, and of carrying on bloody wars among themselves. Mr. Gilpin exposed his life, and spent much property among these hardened wretches. He had fixed places for preaching among them, which were regularly attended. He happened to go among them |