was told was of noble blood, a mayorazgo, or inheritor of a small entailed estate in the neighbourhood of Villafranca, who was most strangely attired in jacket and breeches of velvet, his thin leg being confined in the strict embrace of a blue worsted stocking, and his foot half hidden beneath the bulk of his shoebuckle; while a cotton night-cap covered and concealed his forehead, ears, and a portion of his neck, having above it, enveloped in a loose oilcloth cover, a huge hat, which was only kept from falling over and completely extingushing his face, by means of a cotton handkerchief thrust between it and his forehead. A pair of stout ill-constructed iron spectacles kept constantly sliding down a long, thin, and snuff-taking nose, being from time to time deliberately and with dignity replaced, while his muddy and lack-lustre eyes kept up a perpetual cross-fire in the same direction. Such was the unfortunate individual who groaned under the superadded weight of his own dignity and that of a dozen ancestors.' Horrible, indeed, and most graphic, are the descriptions in the first volume, of the bull-fights, court-prisons, and common prisons of Madrid. The latter, for which only we have space, are thus depicted: "The apartments which we had hitherto visited, were, however, palaces of comfort, compared to the common prison in the dungeons below. In the courtyard adjoining these dungeons was a vast assemblage of poor and undistinguished criminals, emaciated from starvation, and many in a half-naked condition. In the centre of the court was a pile of dirty straw, tattered garments, well-polished bones, and cabbage leaves, apparently collected to be burnt. Some of the prisoners seemed to be engaged in gambling stealthily in a corner; some were employed more praisworthily, in ridding each other of vermin; while others were collected round a more learned member of the fraternity, listening to something he was reading. As we descended among them, the Alcayde called out, in a voice of authority - Each one to his dungeon!- Cada uno a su calabozo!' - - and they instantly escaped to the obscurity of their subterranean abodes. "In each dungeon one man was selected to command, with the title of calabozero; in one of them this station was held by a drum-major of the Royalist volunteers, a stout, ferocious-looking fellow, whose blackened eye indicated that his authority had not been recognised without dispute. The chief, in each case, was the greatest villain in the dungeon, being selected from his commanding character and fearless courage. Thus, the captain of one calaboza which we entered was a little man, named Chirasca, who boasted the committal of uncounted murders. He was small, with pale complexion, light hair, and whitish eyes. He held the candle as we entered his dominions, and the expression of his countenance, when thus illumed, was at once murderous and tranquil. Never, perhaps, did light fall upon a collection of human faces, more variously marked with every demoniac expression of which crime is susceptible. They were pale and ghastly, for the most part, and many were awfully disfigured, and gashed with recent wounds. Some had their arms bound behind, to prevent them offering violence to the rest. Two, who had recently been fighting with knives, were ordered out to be placed in separate cells. Yet all here were not, perhaps, equally criminal. Some there were whose offences were merely political, and whose opinions, a few months before, were of the same colour with those which regulated the state, were in possession of power, and in fashion at the court. There were, moreover, many lads of a tender age here. One who, save the scanty covering of the tatters of a manta, was absolutely naked, seemed about to yield to starvation, disease, and vermin, and implored us, with tears, to have him removed to the hospital. We interceded with the Alcayde to do so, and were glad to hear him give the necessary order ere we came away." We take a reluctant leave of these volumes, which we heartily commend to our readers, as replete with excellent entertainment. That they are faithful sketches, no one can doubt; and, with 'A Year in Spain'-for which the author was denounced by the government, and threatened with expulsion from the country, should he visit it again- they constitute a picture of Spain, its scenery, manners and customs, that in our judgment has rarely been equalled. A word as to the externals of these volumes. The execution is excellent - the paper fine and white, the type clear and open; and there are two good engravings by DICK, from spirited paintings by CHAPMAN. THOUGHTS ON THE RELIGIOUS STATE OF THE COUNTRY: with Reasons for Preferring Episcopacy. By REV. CALVIN COLTON. One volume. pp. 208. New-York: HARPER AND BROTHERS. As it is a part of the plan of this Magazine to avoid meddling with polemics, we shall say nothing of that portion of the work under notice which is specially devoted to the 'Reasons for Preferring Episcopacy,' farther than that the sectarian views of the author seem to be advanced in such a manner as to give little cause of offence, even to those who may most disagree with him. Many of Mr. Colton's 'Thoughts on the Religious State of the Country,' the excesses of the age, etc., will find a response in the bosoms of thousands in this country. The errors which he points out are crying evils; and we are glad that a writer of the reputation for talents and piety of our author, who has had experience of the glaring mal-practices and prevailing systems which he sets forth and illustrates, should be found independent enough to 'raise his voice against them.' We are compelled to limit ourselves to two extracts, paragraphs introduced by the author to illustrate the interposition of minor church officers and small lay members, possessing zeal far above their knowledge, in the affairs of the clergy. "These associates in the pastoral office- for such is virtually their standinggenerally claim to be wise in counsel, and they claim to have their share. Of the work, of course they do nothing. They may be honest and good men, and very pious; but in most churches they are men of little intellectual culture; and the less they have, the more confident and unbending are they in their opinions. If a minister travels an inch beyond the circle of their vision in theology, or startles them with a new idea in his interpretation of Scripture, it is not unlikely that their sus picions of his orthodoxy will be awakened. If he does any thing out of the common course, he is an innovator. If, from the multiplicity of his cares and engagements, he is now and then obliged to preach an old sermon, or exchange more than is agreeable, or does not visit so much as might be expected, he is lazy. For these and for other delinquencies, as adjudged by these associates, it becomes their conscientious duty to admonish him. He who is appointed to supervise the flock, is himself supervised. 'I have a charge to give you,' said a deacon to me once, the first time and the moment I was introduced to him, after I had preached one or two Sabbaths in the place — and, as it happened, it was the first word he said after we shook hands- adding, 'I often give charges to ministers.' I knew him to be an important man, and the first in the church; but as I had nothing at stake there that depended on his favor, I could not resist the temptation of replying to him in view of his consequential airs, 'You may use your discretion, Sir, in this particular instance; but I can tell you that ministers are sometimes overcharged.' However, I did not escape. It seems to be a principle in Presbyterian and Congregational churches, that the minister must be overlooked by the elders and deacons; and if he does not quietly submit to their rule, his condition will be uncomfortable. He may also expect visitations from women to instruct him in his duty; at least, they will contrive to convey to him their opinions. It is said of Dr. Bellamy, of Bethlehem, Connecticut, who was eminently a peace-maker, and was always sent for by all the churches in the country around, for a great distance, to settle their difficulties, that having just returned from one of these errands, and put out his horse, another message of the same kind came from another quarter. And what is the matter?' said the doctor, to the messenger. Why,' said he,' Deacon has- Has? - that's enough. There never is a difficulty in a church, but some old deacon is at the bottom of it. "Unquestionably, it is proper, wise, and prudent, for every minister to watch and consult the popular opinion around him, in relation to himself, his preaching, and his conduct. But if a minister is worthy to be the pastor of a people, he is also worthy of some confidence, and ought to receive deference. In his own proper work he may be helped, he may be sustained, but he cannot be instructed by his people; he cannot, in general, be instructed by the wisest of them. Respectful and kind hints, from competent persons, he may receive, and should court- he may be profited by them. But if he is a man fit for his place, he should receive that honor that will leave him scope, and inspire him with courage to act a manly part. A Christian pastor can never fulfil his office and attain its highest ends, without being free to act among his people according to the light of his conscience and his best discretion. To have elders and deacons to rule over him, is to be a slave-is not to be a man. The responsibili ties, cares, burdens, and labors of the pastoral office are enough, without being impeded and oppressed by such anxieties as these. In the early history of New-England, a non-conformist minister, from the old country, is represented to have said, after a little experience on this side of the water, I lett England to get rid of my lords, the bishops; but here I find in their place my lords, the brethren and sisters; save me from the latter, and let me have the former."" Particular instances, placing the interferences complained of in a broad and startling light, are given as follows: "It has happened within a few years last past, in New-England, and I believe, in other parts of the country, that there has been a system of lay visitation of the clergy for the purpose of counselling, admonishing, and urging them up to their duty; and that these self-commissioned apostles, two and two, have gone from town to town, and from district to district of the country, making inquisition at the mouth of common rumor, and by such other modes, as might be convenient, into the conduct and fidelity of clergymen whom they never saw; and having exhausted their means of information, have made their way into the closets of their adopted protegés, to advise, admonish, pray with and for them, according as they might need. Having fulfilled their office, they have renewed their march, staff and scrip,' in a straightforward way, to the next parish in the assigned round of their visitations, to enact the same scene; and so on, till their work was done. "I have heard of one reception of these lay apostles, which may not be unworthy of record. One pair of them for they went forth two and two,' and thus far were conformed to Scripture both of them mechanics, and one a shoemaker, having abandoned their calling to engage in this enterprise, came upon a subject, who was not well disposed to recognise their commission. They began to talk with him: "We have come to stir you up.' 'How is the shoe business in your city?' said the clergyman to the shoemaker, who was the speaker; for it was a city from which they came. The shoemaker looked vacant, and stared at the question, as if he thought it not very pertinent to his errand, and after a little pause, proceeded in the discharge of his office: We have come to give your church a shaking.' Is the market for shoes good?' said the clergyman. Abashed at this apparent obliquity, the shoemaker paused again; and again went on in a like manner. To which the clergyman: Your business is at a stand, Sir, I presume; I suppose you have nothing to do.' And so the dialogue went on the shoemaker confining himself to his duty, and the clergyman talking only of shoes, in varied and constantly shifting colloquy, till the perverse and wicked pertinacity of the latter discouraged the former; and the shoemaker and his brother took up their hats, to'shake off the dust of their feet,' and turn away to a more hopeful subject. The clergyman bowed them very civilly out of doors, expressing his wish, as they departed, that the shoe business might soon revive. Of course, these lay apostles, in this instance, were horror-struck: and it cannot be supposed they were much inclined to leave their blessing behind them." Akin to this, is an anecdote of Swift, which we have never seen in print. It is rather irreverent, but so characteristic, that we cannot resist the inclination to annex it, such as it lives in our memory. An ignorant tailor, zealous over-much, waited upon the Dean, to express his fears that, for a clergyman, he was too convivial, and not sufficiently conversant with the Scriptures, concerning passages of which he had come, he said, to examine him. Swift answered his few stupid questions with great good nature; and when he had concluded, expressed a wish to consult him, as he should needs be au fait in the matter, in relation to a doubtful point, contained in an important chapter of the Bible. We read,' said the Dean, ' in Revelations, that the angel of the Lord stood with one foot on the earth and the other on the sea. Now what I wish you to inform me-with the same freedom that I have answered your queries — is, how much cloth it would take to make the angel alluded to a pair of pantaloons, that should fit him as he stood!' Snip retired. EDITORS' TABLE. THE AMERICAN LYCEUM. - The Sixth Annual Meeting of this Society closed on the 9th of May, after a session of three days, in the Common Council Chamber of this city. WM. A. DUER, Esq., President of Columbia College, and for several years President of the Lyceum, occupied the chair as much of the time as his other duties would allow ; and the Rev. Mr. RIDGLEY, one of the numerous and respectable delegation from the Pennsylvania Lyceum, presided a part of the session. This association is devoted to the promotion of education, particularly in common schools and lyceums; and during the five years of its existence, has labored in various ways for this object, although greatly embarrassed by the want of the funds necessary to carry into effect some of the most promising plans which it has devised and approved. One of its leading characteristics, is that of a representative body, in which the delegates of literary associations, particularly those of a popular nature, may consult and determine on questions relating to the objects of their pursuit. In every lyceum or society for mutual intellectual improvement, topics of interest often present themselves, which excite inquiry, conversation, and debate. Individuals of the number, at least, feel a desire to investigate them farther, and thus a wish arises for a larger sphere in which to introduce them. In some places, county or state lyceums offer such a wider sphere; and there, questions of real importance often gain in interest by discussion. Questions concerning the interest of common schools, the best means of improving education in them, and in associations, in endless variety, thus annually occupy the minds of some individuals; and some of these naturally find their way to the American Lyceum, and become topics of discussion among persons from a wider sphere. All known kindred associations are invited to send delegates to the annual meetings, where great freedom of debate, and a friendly spirit, have always prevailed. Connected with this, is another feature of the association, viz: the influence it has in promoting acquaintance and cooperation among the friends of useful knowledge. This is effected in different ways. Not only are many of them annually brought together, but a correspondence is carried on with many more, the fruits of which are laid before the association at the anniversaries, and, in the published proceedings, (which have been gratuitously circulated,) very widely diffused. The Lyceum has published about thirty valuable lectures on various interesting topics, written and delivered at their request, by distinguished friends of learning in different parts of the Union, (for there is nothing sectional or limited in its plan,) and these have generally appeared in the Annals of Education, and subsequently in pamphlets. Three elegant productions, on subjects connected with the fine arts, have been published within a few months in this city. The statistical information collected by the society concerning schools, literary associations, and operations, is also extensive, interesting, and useful. Of this a greater amount than ever was presented at the recent annual meeting; and the public, we hope, will ere long be favored with published reports from such associations as the New-York City Lyceum, the Mercantile Library Association, the New-York Mechanics' Institute, the Brooklyn Lyceum, the United States' Naval Lyceum, the Juvenile Lyceums of our Public Schools, the Pennsylvania Lyceum, with the Teachers' and School Lyceums of Philadelphia, the Albany and the Troy Associations for Intellectual Improvement, the Worcester, (Mass.) Lyceum, etc. The society had hopes of receiving this year, an Essay on the best means of obtaining uniform Meteorological Observations, with a plan, from a well qualified correspondent of this state; but this anticipated production was delayed for the present, because time is required to collect all the information which it is desirable to have comprised in a communication of such kind. The American Lyceum, on the eve of their adjournment, feeling the importance of a general cooperation in favor of common education, adopted resolutions inviting the friends of knowledge and the country to contribute, either in money or active labor, to their operations. They request all those who may wish to subscribe to their funds, to transmit to William Forrest, Esq., New-York, and those who are willing to undertake to visit a school once a week, to form a lyceum, to deliver a public address in favor of education, to write on that subject in newspapers, or otherwise to assist in exciting a general and speedy improvement, to give specific information of the same to one of the corresponding secretaries of the society forthwith, and on or before the 1st of January next, again to communicate what they have done, with the results. In this way, it is evident, the efficiency of the society may be greatly increased, both by the enlistment of new cooperators in their own neighborhoods, and by the collection of a large amount of statistics in that most interesting department of education, so important to our country, and so naturally the growth of our institutions - spontaneous and gratuitous instruction. One individual in each county in the union might thus accomplish a very useful task in the next few months; and the publication of the returns could not fail to encourage fourfold effects in the next year. But the plans and operations of the society will be best understood from the documents which may be successively expected from the press. We will only add here, that one dollar will procure the ordinary monthly publications for the ensuing twelvemonth, either for a society or an individual; and three dollars the additional privilege to any individual, (with the approval of the executive committee,) of a seat at the next annual meeting, which is to be held in Philadelphia. We have not room for the full list of officers, and shall therefore only mention the following, who reside in New-York: WM. A. DUER, President; Wm. B. KINNEY, Recording Secretary; T. DWIGHT, Jr., Corresponding Secretary; WM. FORREST, Trea surer. THE DRAMA. PARK THEATRE. On the twenty-third day of April, in the year of Grace one thousand five hundred and sixty-four, there was born at Stratford-upon-Avon, one William Shakspeare, who some time about the year 1597, having then reached the full prime and vigor of manhood, did give to the world two plays, each of five acts, which he severally entitled 'The first and second parts of Henry IV.,' wherein it pleased him to introduce a strange sort of personage, 'a great fat man,' whom he christened 'Sir John Falstaff.' Now this 'Sir John,' by reason of the soul of humor wherewith Shakspeare had invested him, became a wonderful favorite with all sorts of people, who either made his acquaintance in the closet or upon the stage. Indeed, so particularly fond did some great personages become of this laughter-moving knight, that it is recorded how that even the good Queen Bess, of blessed memory, carried her admiration to the extent of an order to the bard for a second edition of the wag, with such improvements as the boy Cupid might suggest. Whereupon this same Shakspeare did speedily exhibit the knight in a new play, entitled the 'Merry Wives of Windsor,' wherein his susceptibilities were curiously operated upon by the little archer-to the increased diversion of her blessed majesty. |