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On Conscience.-On Cock Fighting.

little more.
Those who are well in-
formed of the character of virtue and of
vice, must know that all their thoughts,
words, or actions, are either good or
bad, and it is this conviction that we
call Conscience.

ON CONSCIENCE.

By S. T. of Saltash, Cornwall.

A correspondent asks, "What is Conscience."

It is well known that the word properly signifies, "an accompanying knowledge," this being the signification of the Greek, ovv-ednog, and of the Latin, con-scientia; from the latter of which are derived the coscienza, conciencia, and conscience, of the Italians, Spaniards, Portuguese, French, and English.

It may, then, be defined as that knowledge, which the mind possesses, of the propriety or impropriety of certain actions, that are either suggested to it, consented to by the will, or actually performed, in consequence of that consent. It is, in fact, an emanation from "that light, which, coming into the world, enlighteneth every man;" it is the judgment that the mind passes on itself, and with it will the decision of the great day agree.

ON CONSCIENCE.

The following Reply to the same Query is by Edward Usher, Albion-House Academy, Loughton, Essex.

CONSCIENCE is that principle or faculty, implanted in the human mind by the finger of God, the prerogative of which is, to accuse or excuse, to approve or condemn, our actions and deportment. It is called by Solomon, . The candle of the Lord.' Others have denominated it, The voice of God.' It is an internal monitor; and a most impartial judge. It takes cognizance of every act, and erects a tribunal in the soul, from which there is no appeal. By long indulgence in sin, it may apparently be lulled to sleep; yet, like a snake re-animated with the summer's sun, it will occasionally awake from its stupor; assert its right, and play its part.

The remaining part of this communication, describing the effects of Conscience, adds nothing to the reply, and is therefore omitted. EDITOR.

ON COCK-FIGHTING.

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SIR,-Your Studley Correspondent, according to his promise which he made in his last, now sends you Craham's remarks on the savage diversion of Cock-fighting.

I have frequently observed, and with a degree of pleasure, the beautiful and sprightly appearance of a wellfeathered cock. The luxuriant plumage of his neck, and fine tail exuberantly flowing over his back in a semicircular form, give him an air of grandeur, superior, in my opinion, to any of our domestic birds. I love to see him, surrounded with his seraglio of females, strut along with great pomp, the august monarch of the dunghill. It is pleasant to observe how this creature apes reason, when led by powerful instinct; he disdains to pick what the females seem to have a desire for. This refusing to make use of the power he has over them, seems as a lesson to mankind, not to tyrannize over the weaker, whom, as having power, he ought to protect and nourish. It would afford, I should think, more satisfaction to survey these creatures enjoying themselves in innocent tranquillity, than to see them expiring in agonies occasioned by the cruelty of a set of men who style themselves Christians. I am convinced, that would men give themselves a little time to reflect on the inhumanity of such diversions, and look upon these creatures in the light I do, there would never be another cocking match, or Welch main, fought in their time; and I doubt not that our children, influenced by so good an example, would hardly think of renewing such barbarity. I suppose many of these kind of sportsmen will say "I glory in a cock." But then, the misfortune is, they glory in them no further than as they are subservient to their wanton cruelty; for should his favourite flag (as he calls him) after having fought three successive battles, and foiled his antagonists in each, decline engaging in a fourth, or, if engaged, and almost spent with toil, he should endeavour to avoid his destiny by flight, or even make the least effort to recede, his neck must be immediately twisted, as the only reward for his prowess. Thus he meets his fate from a quarter, one might imagine, the least expected;

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On Cock Fighting.

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and I will refer it to any man of rea- | upon which a second, and most treson, if the cruel perpetrator does not mendous roar proclaimed him the in this case, prove himself as much a victor. monster and a tyrant as the detested emperor Nero. And I know not what many of my countrymen would do, if not restrained by salutary laws.

I never, but once, was a spectator of this barbarous and ignorant amusement; I was at that time about thirteen years of age, and have ever since held that practice in the utmost abhorrence and detestation. The sensations I felt, even at that age, were painful. I was shocked to behold how strangely that once beautiful creature was disfigured. That beautiful tail which did so adorn him, was now miserably lopped, and bore great analogy to that of an Ostrich. In a word, he was now so cut and mutilated, that he made a more despicable appearance than the meanest hen.

I have been particular in describing this kind of diversion, because, should any person who never heard of such things read this, he would hardly imagine that such practices could exist amongst men of sense, who live in a civilized nation, and call themselvesfollowers of Christ!

But setting aside the cruelty of this diversion, what ruin has it brought upon families! How many poor mechanics leave their wives and children starying at home for want of bread, when they are rioting and revelling at a cocking match! How many of the higher rank have forfeited their estates, and entailed poverty on their posterity, in order that they may pay what they call -debts of honour! Now when such men as these commence fathers and heads of families, what kind of morals can they be supposed to instil into their children? can they be supposed to teach them benevolence, gratitude, charity, compassion, and the rest of the social virtues?

In this condition he was led to the field of battle, and because nature had not furnished him with weapons fatally keen, he was now supplied with artificial ones. I took notice of two men in striped jackets, whom I after understood styled themselves pitters. Their business was to encourage these little combatants to destroy each other. The engagement began, and these little creatures exerted much agility, and mighty valorous they were in their way. Oft were the bloody weapons extracted by these doughty seconds, and as oft did they urge them to the fight. During all which time the vociferous company almost stunned my ears with their discordant din. I would gladly have retired, but it was no easy task to extricate myself from amongst them; I therefore was obliged to wait the conclusion. After many severe onsets, one of these poor creatures had an eye struck out by his antagonist's spur, which went with such violence as to pierce quite through the head. The barbarous company, instead of commiserating, announced their joy with a loud cheer, which was echoed through the whole circle. The weapon "Exalt not thyself to the heavens, was again extracted: yet this did not for, lo! the angels are above thee! nor suffice; the combat must be again disdain thy fellow inhabitants of the renewed. After a few more faint strug-earth, for that they are beneath thee.gles, being now almost spent, and their spirits quite exhausted, they fell to the ground, gasping in agonies, with their heads reclined on the grass. After a few seconds, one of them raised his head, and made a motion with his bill;

Alas! the contrary is evident. For many of these kind of sportsmen have been known to abuse and beat their children for no other reason than because they gave instances of a humane, pacific disposition, in refusing to saw off the heads of poultry, or dash out the brains of a cat.—“ Why," they will exclaim, “are not all creatures made for man's use?" But granting this, (which many of our philosophers refuse to grant,) does it follow from hence, that they were made to be the objects of our wanton cruelty! Man is always ready to style himself" lord of the creation," but his pride makes him forget that he is a poor dependent creature himself.

The following sensible and pathetic sentences, extracted from the Economy of Human Life, may not be improperly introduced on this occasion; and with which I shall conclude this letter.

Are not they the work of the same hand? Thou who art happy by the mercy of thy Creator, how darest thou in wantonness put others of his creatures to torture. Beware that it return not upon thec."-Penrith, 1775.

175

Memoir of Dr. Isaac Watts.

BRIEF MEMOIR OF DR. ISAAC WATTS.

(With an Engraving.)

IF learning, piety, moderation, humility, and public usefulness, can recommend any individual to the notice of the Biographer, the justly celebrated Dr. Watts has claims that cannot be resisted. Detailed accounts of his life, have indeed been long before the world; but as we have given a representation of the Monument that has been erected to his memory, we cannot resist the inducement that it affords, to accompany it with a brief sketch of one, who was honoured in life, regretted in death, and whose name will continue to be cherished with pleasing remembrance, so long as piety and learning shall command the veneration of mankind.

Isaac Watts, the eldest of nine children, was born at Southampton, on July 17th, 1674. In this place his father kept a boarding-school, and supported an unblemished reputation; but being a decided non-conformist, and "falling on evil days," he was committed to gaol, which reduced his family to great distress. During his confinement, his wife, with Isaac at her breast, has been known to sit on a stone at the prison door, to console a husband whose company she was forbidden to enjoy, and who could no longer provide for her wants, and those of their children.

In early life, even before he had learned to articulate distinctly, a book was Isaac's chief delight and most pleasing companion, and the pence which were occasionally given him by visitors, were sacredly devoted to the purchase of books. When only about eight years old, he composed verses to please his mother. Many of these have been preserved, and they discover not only strong indications of superior genius, but, what is more remarkable, a devotional spirit, and fervent piety.

He received the first rudiments of his education from the Rev. Mr. Pinkhorne, a minister of the established church, in the town that gave him birth and such was the proficiency which he had made at an early age, in the acquirement of Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, that his talents attracted the notice of some gentlemen, who kindly offered to bear the charges of his education in one of the English Univer

176

sities. This, however, he declined, and avowed his intention to continue among the non-conformists, notwithstanding the persecution which his father and family had endured, by adhering to their interests.

At the age of sixteen, he was removed to London, and placed under the care of the Rev. Thomas Rowe, who kept an academy there. Here he continued until he attained the age of twenty, when he returned to his father's house, where he remained two years, devoting his time to his own mental and spiritual improvement. Twenty-two Latin dissertations found among his papers, on metaphysical and theological subjects, during his abode in London, furnish proof of his unwearied application; and a Pindaric Ode, addressed to his early preceptor, Mr. Pinkhorne, at the age of fifteen, established his early reputation as a poet.

Of

Having attained the age of twentytwo, he was solicited to become private tutor to the son of Sir John Hartopp, Bart. at Stoke Newington. this he accepted, and continued in this situation five years, during which period he gained universal esteem, and laid the foundation of a friendship with his pupil, which lasted through life.

Possessed of talents, learning, and piety, for the ministerial office, he was frequently solicited to take upon himself the sacred charge; but such was his diffidence, that no inducement could prevail upon him to ascend the pulpit, until he was twenty-four years of age, at which time he was chosen assistant to Dr. Isaac Chauncy, whom he succeeded as pastor in the year 1702. But for this labour, he soon found his bodily strength inadequate, and was therefore unable to go through the whole service and so much was his constitution impaired by a fever, in 1712, as to disqualify him for the duties of his profession during four years.

In this state of debility, he was kindly received into the hospitable mansion of Sir Thomas Abney, by whose indulgent care, he was restored to health, and under whose friendly roof he found a permanent abode during the remaining thirty-six years of his life.

His advance in years was accompanied with an increase of his reputa

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Memoir of Dr. Isaac Watts.

tion, and a wider circulation of his fame. His character and talents attracted the notice of the Universities of Edinburgh and Aberdeen; and these seminaries, in an honourable rivalship, apparently contending with each other, which should first confer on him the title which he so justly merited, both honoured him in the same year, 1728, with the degree of Doctor in Divinity.

But notwithstanding the kind attentions of his friends, his health continued, during his latter years, in a very precarious state. This compelled bim to relinquish his ministerial situation; but so strongly were his congregation attached to him, that they declined accepting his offer to give up his salary. With a mind tranquil and serene, he was enabled to contemplate for some time the presages of his approaching dissolution; but his confidence in God, was too strong to be shaken by the king of terrors. He knew in whom he had believed, and felt a calm resignation to the divine will. In this state of holy submission, he continued gradually to decline, until Nov. 25th, 1748, when he breathed his last, in the 75th year of his age, thus terminating a life of usefulness and honour with a death of Christian triumph.

Dr. Watts was a man of fine feelings, of a lively imagination, and a vigorous and comprehensive understanding. Few men have ever been distinguished by such a versatility of talents. He could dispute with Locke, or walk with children

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and devotional spirit which they
breathe, a refined censure
on those
party zealots, whose vanity leads
them to identify their local creeds and
dogmas with the amiable principles of
Christianity. His printed works, to-
gether with the MSS. which he con-
signed to the revision of Dr. Jennings
and Dr. Doddridge, were published
collectively, by Dr. Gibbons, in six
quarto volumes, in 1754, since which
period they have appeared in several
editions, and in a variety of forms.

So free was Dr. Watts from religious bigotry, that it is not easy to extract even from his controversial pieces, the precise amount of his peculiar views. Dr. Johnson has said, that" to whatever class he belongs, he must always be regarded as one of those whose heart was devoted to the promotion of the best interests of mankind, and whose life would have done honour to any system of opinions." He has generally been thought to lean mildly towards the Calvinistic hypothesis; and towards the close of life he has been suspected by some, to have entertained views of the Trinity, not counted orthodox. This latter, however, is a point by no means clear; and the means of bringing the question to a satisfactory issue, are not placed within our reach.

The remains of this great man were deposited in Bunhill-fields burial ground, London; and as a kind memorial of his affection and liberal spirit, his pall was supported by six ministers, two of the Presbyterian, two of the Congregational, and two of the Antipædo-baptist denomination. Dr. Samuel Chandler delivered a funeral

preached his funeral sermon to the congregation of which Dr. Watts had been the minister. Several other eminent men gave similar testimonies of respect to his memory.

"Abroad in the meadows to see the young lambs," and in either case command our ad-oration at his grave, and Dr. Jennings miration. His pen was employed on a great variety of subjects, and he had the happy art of improving every thing which he touched. His poetical compositions have long since taken hold of the public mind, and, with some trifling exceptions, have obtained the sanction of public suffrage. Many of his Hymns and Psalms will be remembered so long as congregations shall continue to celebrate public worship; and his songs for children will hardly be forgotten, while children shall be able to read them. His Logic, and his Improvement of the Mind, are deservedly held in high reputation; and his theological works contain, by the liberality of sentiment

But while his various excellencies procured him those tokens of respect, he in his life-time had taken precautions to prevent any undue honours being paid to his memory after death. He therefore had given orders that an only stone, bearing the following inscription, should be erected over the place of his interment.

"Isaac Watts, D. D. a pastor of a church of Christ in London, Successor to the Rev. Joseph Caryl, Dr. John Owen, Mr. David Clarkson, and Dr.

179 Profitable Labour.-Review: A Help in Time of Need. 180

Isaac Chauncy; after fifty years of feeble labour in the gospel, interrupted by four years' tiresome sickness, was at last dismissed to his rest.

44 In uno Jesu omnia.”

although they never knew his person. But what surpasses all other considerations is, his name will stand recorded in the Lamb's Book of Life, and remain engraven for ever in the

"2 Cor. v. 8.-Absent from the body, and register of eternal felicity. present with the Lord."

"Col. iii. 4.-When Christ who is my life shall appear, then shall I also appear with him in glory."

A handsome tomb, bearing the above inscription, with the time of his death, was accordingly erected, at the joint expense of Sir John Hartopp, his former pupil, and lady Abney, in whose house he so long resided.

But although the friends of Dr. Watts were ready to comply with his wishes, in erecting the stone, with the preceding inscription, agreeably to his direction, they were not so willing to obey his injunction in thus terminating all regard to his memory. A monument, of which we have given an engraving, was afterwards erected in Westminster Abbey, to remind posterity of his virtues, and to perpetuate his name. Happily however for him, his name and character are engraven on more durable materials than the marble can boast. This monument, like many others, has sustained some serious injury, either through accident, or the wanton follies of the thoughtless and the sacrilegious, who occasionally visit this hallowed spot.

Several monuments, it is well known, were seriously mutilated by the fanaticism of Cromwell's followers, and the remaining parts continue to remind us of their infamous conduct. With the exception of such as are of modern erection, scarcely one has escaped the hand of devastation. The corrosions of time will effectually prevent monuments from becoming immortal; but when to these we add the exploits of wantonness, the fury of mobs, the thoughtlessness of boys, and the fanatical brutality of an enthusiastic soldiery, both steel and alabaster must prove unfaithful to their charge.

Secure from the depredations committed on his bust, Dr. Watts will stand immortailized in his works, when his grave in Bunhill-fields shall be forgotten, and Westminster Abbey shall cease to record his name. He will also be remembered by thousands who have obtained an acquaintance with his spirit, through his writings,

Profitable Labour.

MR. EDITOR,

SIR,-The following may, perhaps, be acceptable to some of your readers, and may tend to effect an important object-creating more labour for our

industrious Poor.

I am, &c.

BENJAMIN WILLS.

11th October, 1820. A FIELD of seven acres, situated in the county of Surrey, in the last year was prepared for Barley by the spade. The labourers employed, earned in the winter at the rate of fifteen shillings per week, two-pence per rod being given for digging; and the proprietor considers, that it would have cost him double the expense, if he had had it ploughed.

REVIEW.-A Help in Time of Need; consisting of sixteen plain and practical Sermons, intended for the use of Families and Country Congregations. By John Bryant. pp. 200. Blanshard, London, price 2s. 6d. 1820.

SUCH is the moral and intellectual condition of the world, that no period can be assigned in the history of man, in which plain and practical discourses are not of essential service. Theological literature, it is true, abounds with publications of this description, exhibiting at once the force of argument, the power of persuasion, and the authority of scripture. But such is the constitution of the human mind, that the charm of novelty, or the hope of finding something original, furnishes a recommendation to every new production that issues from the press.

The subjects of which this little volume treats, are at once practical, important, and interesting. They carry us into the common concerns of life, enforce the observance of duties which are incumbent on us to discharge, and direct us to that state of existence, in which their bearings and influence will be found in all their magnitude and awful consequences.

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