fully acquainted with the whole of the Indian secret, by which the natural appetite for food is by them suspended. It must certainly be more than doubted, when we consider the ingredients of which it is said to be composed. But we are certain of this very extraordinary fact, that they have that secret, and put it in practice for weeks together; and undergo the greatest fatigue, without any injury to their health or bodily vigour. They want neither butcher, nor baker, nor brewer, nor distiller, nor fuel, nor culinary utensils.

We have shewu that some simple absorbent earths have the power of appeasing the excitement of the gastric juice; for that is the renovating cause of hunger.

This stimulating fluid rendered in

which any person might be enabled, like a Peruvian Indian, to live and labour in health and spirits, for a month now and then, without eating. It would be the greatest achievement, whatever a London Alderman might think, ever attained by human wisdom.

Every man's house would then in deed be his castle. No Starving out. And if every Englishman were of the school of PYTHAGORAS, as I am, they must dwell with rapture on the thought of the multitude of animals that would be spared from slaughter, to supply the bloody babits of twelve millions of people, were this Peruvian regimen adopted, only on alternate days, through the year. Yours, &c.

ACADEMICUS.

near Henley on Thames. LETTER III.

lief *."

DEAR SIR,

Sept. 1, 1814. HE two Letters on the General

Reading of the Bible by Roman Catholicks, which I had the honour of addressing to you from Stonor Park, where your kindness to me was hastening my convalescence from a serious indisposition, have produced several Replies: whether they are Answers, I shall leave to the judg ment of the publick.

The object of them was, to state the real Discipline of the Roman Ca tholic Church respecting the perusal of the Bible by the Laity; and to shew that the limitation, with which it is permitted, has not the extensive ope

ration which has been ascribed to it.

They were occasioned by Mr. Blair's publication of "A Correspondence on the Formation, Objects, and Plan, of the Roman Catholic Bible Society." of the communications mentioned in It gave me great pleasure to hear that correspondence.

It is a just observation of the truly amiable and respectable Chancellor of the Exchequer that "the cooperation of persons of different religious denomination in religious matters, so far as they can conscientious

* Three Letters on the subject of the British and Foreign Bible Society, addressed to the Rev. Dr. Marsh and John Coker, esq. By the Right Honour able Nicholas Vansittart. Hatchard, 8vo. 1812.

such a

Under this impression, I hoped the communication, to which I have alJuded, would have been attended with the most salutary effects. The great Principle of the Roman Catholic religion, that the faithful receive the Bible under the authority of the Church, and with her interpretation, I knew her ministers could not, conscientiously, either deny or conceal: but I flattered myself, that the communications of Mr. Blair with them would lead to explanations, which would unquestionably shew, that the Roman Catholic church has contributed greatly to the circulation of the Sacred Volumes in every form, in every country, in every language; and that her ministers have been unjustly accused of locking them up from the general body of the faithful. To a certain extent, these hopes have been disappointed: - the communications in question took a different direction, and ended in Mr. Blair's criminatory letters. But discussion ever serves the cause of truth: and so confident I am that the Roman Catholic cause has gained by the late discussion, that I shall leave it to rest on the replies which have been given to my letters, and shall not trouble you or the publick with a single observation upon them.-If I should print my letters separately, it is bable that I shall print the replies to them; if I do not, I shall certainly refer my readers to the respectable Repository where they may be found.

pro

I avail myself, however, of this letter to trouble you with this observation. I have been accused (it is a very odd subject for accusation)-of a wish to effect a re-union between Protestants and Roman Catholicks.

A correspondence on this re-union was long carried on between Bossuet and Leibnitz. It is to be wished that it were more generally known: it is to be found both in the old and new edition of the Works of Bossuet, and in the fate Mr. Dutens's Edition of the Works of Leibnitz. A very good

account of it is given in a work recently published in 2 vols. 8vo. called Les Pensées de Leibnitz; and some account of it is given by the writer of these lines, in his Lite of Bossuet. It is difficult for a lover of peace to peruse it without thinking the reunion possible: when, however, he considers, in whose hands it failed, it is difficult for him not to doubt of its possibility.

But, to avail myself once more of Mr. Vansittart's truly elegant and truly Christian language in the letter which I have already cited." There is," he 66 says, an inferior degree of re-union more within our prospect, and yet, perhaps, as perfect as huinan infirmity allows us to hope for; wherein, though all differences of opinion should not be extinguished, yet they may be so refined from all party prejudice and interested views, so softened by the spirit of charity and mutual concession, and so controuled by agreement on the leading principles and zeal for the general interests of Christianity, that no sect or persuasion should be tempted to make religion subservient to secular views, or to employ political power to the prejudice of others."

"The existence of Dissent," the same writer, nunquam sine laude vocandus, observes in another of his letters, "will perhaps be inseparable from religious freedom, so long as the mind of man is liable to error: but it is not unreasonable to hope, that hostility may cease when perfect agreement cannot be established. Ir WE CANNOT RECONCILE ALL OPINIONS, LET US RECONCILE ALL HEARTS."

I am sure I cannot close the cor

respondence with you on this subject (I may resume it in some other) better than by these golden words.-With great respect, I have the honour to be your obliged humble servant, C.B.

Character of ERASMUS;—from DYER'S "History of Cambridge."

THIS

HIS learned man was contemporary with Fisher, Bishop of Rochester, Master of Queen's College, and Chancellor of the University in 1504. At his invitation, Erasmus came to Cambridge, and resided there taught Greek publicly in the Univer about seven years, being the first who sity. Some of its best scholars were proud to become his disciples, and

Fisher himself was prevented only by age from being of the number.

Erasmus took the degrees of B. D. as incipient in Theology, 1506; and in 1510 was made Lady Margaret's Professor of Divinity. He wrote upon all subjects, and in all styles, but always in Latin, and always well; his powers of composition being proportioned to the vast riches and variety of his knowledge. With the minuteness of a grammarian, the sagacity of a critic, the subtlety of a metaphysician, and the precision of a logician, he combined the eloquence of a rhetorician, the solemnity of a theologian, the profundity of a philosopher, and the gaiety, and the ease, and playfulness of a poet: for all these different qualities he may be justly praised: but his principal force was in irony, in which he cannot be surpassed perhaps is not equalled. This machine, supported with his more weighty artillery of solid literature, he played off with admirable effect against the follies, the vices, the superstitions, and ignorance of his age: for, having translated some of Lucian's Dialogues, he had caught much of his manner, of which his Colloquies, his Praise of Folly, and Letters on Epistolary Writing, are admirable specimens. In his Adagia, written more immediately for the use of the English Nation, are deposited great treasures of classical literature. He edited many of the Greek and Latin Classics, with some of the Fathers: but his more splendid, elaborate works, are Pliny's Natural History, Aristotle's Works, and an edition of the Greek Testament; and to all of which he has admirable prefaces: the latter was accompanied with a new Latin Translation and Notes. His Commentary, translated into English, was appointed by pubhe authority to be placed in all our churches. In his Treatise on Episto

lary Writing, he not only delivers general rules for epistolary compo sition, but a most rational plan for acquiring the learned languages t hastily sent forth, as it was, it yet reached many important points. In an Epistle to Nicholas Beraldus, be says, it was written in twenty days; and that, in consequence of the treachery of a friend, who published it without his consent, he gave an edition himself: but had it been the labour of as many weeks, or months, it would have been labour well be stowed *.

Erasmus's works made ten volumes in folio, and were edited by Le Clercs whence it appears, though he was unacquainted with Hebrew, and never acquired a thorough knowledge of the English language, he may be pronounced the greatest genius, and the profoundest scholar, of his age; not less successful, than indefatigable, in his studies. He was an advocate for free-will, against predestination. Ob Doxious as he was to some of the Reformers, for his book de Servo Arbitrio, against Luther, whom he treated somewhat sharply, still his literary authority was appealed to by all parties. He lived at large, for be would be shackled by no theologues; and while some objected to him his conformity, he knew he had to do with men, though Reformers, who were politicians and conformists in various ways themselves t: against their bigotry and intolerance he was as serious as they could be against his temporizing, and love of literary

ease.

After all, he did more in the cause of real reformation ‡, than any man of his age, and carried its spirit up to some points, where no one durst follow him. But, to close all, and to say what is immediately to our purpose, in the wise and critical use of ancient manuscripts, in liberalizing our universities §, and in break

ing the long-riveted shackles of their superstitions and ignorance, by writing, no one did so much as this great man-and as to other matters Homo fuit atque humanus Erasmus.

I

Mr. URBAN,

Sept. 3. NOTICED in your last Number, (p. 118.) a very interesting and accurate Architectural description of the fine monastic Ruins at Worksop, and likewise several severe reflections upon the state in which it appeared when your Correspondent's remarks were taken. Doubtless at that time the gateway was in the ruinous condition he mentions; but, having not long since had occasion to pass through that town, I have an opportunity of informing him and your Readers, that within these few months it has undergone a substantial and thorough repair. Great labour has been bestowed to clear the ornaments of the whole, particularly the beautiful and unrivalled porch; and no reparations have taken place which are not consistent with the old work, excepting the roof, which is covered with common house tiling. The room has again been converted into a school, consisting at present of 150 boys, and is, I believe, not to exceed 200. The East entrance of the porch has been walled up for greater security, and the window in front boarded. With respect to the latter, I hope I may be permitted to suggest a restoration of the tracery and mullions: it is the principal feature in the front of the porch; and in its present condition is inconsistent with the rest of the building. The fragments left are sufficient to prove what the design originally was; and, with the assistance of some person who has drawn the parts and mouldings with accuracy, it might easily be accomplished, and at a trifling expence; nor should this work be executed in

:

new stone. Though I am very far from being an advocate for making quarries of our venerable ruins, yet Ï trust, that a few pieces might be taken for this necessary repair from the relics which adjoin the church, without demolishing any curious fragment, or offending the zealous antiquary; but on no other account would I have a stone of ancient work re moved from the spot in which it was first placed, or had been levelled by merciless and destructive hands at the general wreck; for if, by this trifling innovation, we preserve to posterity the little that devastation has left to admire, the alternative is not painful to our reflection. A farther reparation might be made, which perhaps would be doing as much as propriety and example will admit. I allude to the parapet of the East side of the porch one stone of the old work remains; and that on the West side is entire, with its small decora tive battlements. This too should be done in old stone; and two pieces. only would be necessary, following in every particular the parapet that is left. These are the only restora tions necessary, and sufficient to show its pristine elegance: then may we hope that it will subsist for ages, and excite the admiration of posterity. It is an unexampled remain of novelty and beauty; and, while Architecture continues to be admired, will claim its share of notice. It is but justice` to observe that what has already been done in the preservation of this gateway was through the indefatigable. exertion of an individual in the neighbourhood, a gentleman of considerable taste, and a real antiquary, one who can discern the beauties, and estimate the value of ancient architecture. To him are our thanks due, and may this example be followed by every one in whose hands power rests to show a like zeal.

J. C. B.

Mr.

I

WAS extremely surprized, and I may add; indignant, when I perused the "Strictures on the Laws against Vagrants," as you have been pleased to entitle the communication of your Correspondent W. B. inserted in your valuable Magazine, in the Supplement to vol. LXXXIV. Part I. pages 649, 650, 651, inclusive. Your Correspondent would have acted wisely if he had read before he wrote, and thought before he had made his writing public: since then, perhaps, he would not have committed himself so egregiously as he now has done; nor have misconceived and misrepresented so greatly the subject he undertook to discuss. But, that I may not be thought, like your Correspondent, to deal in unfounded censure, I will first, in his own words, state his objections to what you have called "the Laws against Vagrants,"-though he himself, except by his general reasoning, has not distinctly mentioned them, and then will proceed to shew how ill-founded are the objections which he has brought against them.

con

After first stating, that "he does not mean" (although he has actually done so, we will suppose without intending it)" to advocate the cause of common beggars, &c." and acknowledging, that "the greater part of them do literally and truly come under that description of Rogues and Vagabonds in which the Law has indiscriminately classed them," (which, however, I shall shew is a direct misconception of the Writer) he " siders it" (by which we must infer, I think, the System of the Poor Laws as now established in England) "a discredit to the Legislature, as far as it" (viz. our Poor Laws, the Laws against Vagrants, or the "Vagrant Act,” as it is called) "creates a power to persecute the Poor," (than which assertion nothing can possibly be more unjust or untrue)" and casts, adds he, an indiscriminate imputation on that rejected part of the species,' by supposing criminality inseparably attached to a wandering state of poverty." The Writer adds, "it is a plausible argument, but it is not true, that the legal provisions made for the support and settlement of Paupers, are adequate to the prevention of Vagrants, or supersede the necessity of their GENT. MAG. September, 1814.

existence." Now, Sir, as the argu ment of your Correspondent turns upon his broad and unqualified assertion, that "the legal provisions for Paupers are not adequate to the prevention of Vagrants, or do not supersede the necessity of them;" give me leave to join issue with your Corre spondent on that point, and with equal confidence, and I trust with better foundation for it than his, to assert that_these “legal provisions” are fully adequate to this purpose.

From the history of the Poor Laws it appears, that prior to the Reformas tion there was no regular provision for the poor, but they were in great measure left to such relief as the humanity of their neighbours would afford them.

If this, Sir, were the situation of the Poor in England at the present day, I would readily concede to your Correspondent his postulatum; but when I consider the nume rous laws which have from time to time been made for their maintenance and provision, and the peculiar care, humanity, and fatherly attention, with which the Legislature has at tended to their interests, I am lost in astonishment that such a calumny should be published seriatim by your Correspondent, and I feel myself call ed upon as an acting Magistrate to endeavour to repel it.

During the existence of the Monasteries, Priories, and Hospitals, they supported and fed a very numerous and idle Poor, who depended for sustenance upon what was daily distributed in Aims at the gates of such religious houses. In the reign, however, of Hen. VIII. when these Monasteries were suppressed, and their very ample revenues were confiscated, the inconvenience and mischiefs of supporting the Poor in habits of indolence and beggary were felt quickly throughout the Kingdom; and many statutes were made in the reign of that King for providing for the Poor and impotent, which have been altered, improved, and greatly multiplied, since that period. The Poor have been, with great propriety, by these laws, divided into two principal classes

the old, sick, and impotent, whọ were totally unable to work; and the idle and sturdy, who were well able but unwilling to work, or to exercise any lawful employment whereby they

might