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REVIEW.-Weir's History of Horncastle. [Sept.

the balanced periods of Pope, it is not asserting too much to say, is as methodical and monotonous, as can well be conceived of the imitator of a host of imitators he had but two situations for his cesura, and he rings his changes upon the combinations and alterations of these, as

well as he may, through twenty books,"

PP. 6-8.

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FEW Counties have been more deplorably neglected by our early to pographers, than that of Lincoln. She was formerly as sterile in antiquarian and topographical lore, as were once her native fens in the produce of the earth; but, thanks to the perseverance of our contemporaries and the enlightened liberality of the present times, a laudable spirit of research and thirst of useful knowledge, are daily increasing. During the last century scarcely any Work, relating to the County, worthy of notice, (with the exception of Peck's and

other Histories of Stamford, and the Antiquities of Lincoln Cathedral,) appeared before the Publick. But within the last few years, much valuable information has been produced. In 1806, Mr. Turnor published his Collections for the Town and Soke of Grantham; which, in addition to Mr. Bogg's Sketch of the Geology of the Lincolnshire Wolds, the Histories of Gainsborough, Boston, &c. may contribute, in some degree, to the compilation of a regular county history. But we are not aware of any production that would conduce more to the aid of the County Historian, in treating of the central and most interesting parts of Lincoln, than the present Volume. The materials appear very concisely and neatly arranged, and the information judiciously selected; but we regret that the subject matter should have been so confined. The author's views might certainly have been more ex

tended, particularly when his long residence in the neighbourhood is considered. We are perfectly aware of the difficulties attendant on researches for local information; but we are really of opinion that the author, from his stated "partiality to topographical research," might have been enabled to produce more than mere "Sketches." However, with the utmost candour, we admit the originality of his interesting Work,

as well as "the difficulties which he has had to encounter in pursuing an untrodden path."

The author, in his preface, states, that it was his intention to publish this Work five years ago; but that local circumstances, and the unfavourable state of his health, prevented its accomplishment; but that he

66

now submits it to the Publick, as the contribution of his mite towards the long neglected topography of the County of Lincoln."

The principal divisions of the Work are comprehended under the heads of "HORNCASTLE," ""SOKE OF HORNCASTLE," and the neighbouring townships, hamlets, &c. of Baumber, Edlington, and adjoining places. It is also illustrated with several Plates and neatly engraved Vignettes. The situation, &c. of Horncastle, is thus briefly but agreeably described:

"Horncastle is pleasantly situated at

the foot of that bold and even range of

hills which, from their openness, have been termed the wolds. It is nearly in the centre of the Lindsey division of the county of Lincoln, and is the chief of a soke of fifteen parishes, to which it gives name. The principal part of the town is built in an angle formed by the confluence of two rivers, the Bane and the an antient fortification

Waring, where formerly stood, the scite of which is still visible, denoting it to have been a station of importance in early times. The character of the place is, however, now completely changed. From a military station it has become a situation of trade; and being surrounded by a considerable uumber of villages, possesses one of the largest markets in the County. Its distance from the city of Lincoln is twentyone miles, and eighteen from the town of Boston."

The state of Horncastle, during the Roman and Saxon Governments, and the Civil Wars in the reign of Charles the First, is given at considerable length.

Among

1821.]

REVIEW.-Weirs's History of Horncastle.

Among the antiquities peculiar to the neighbourhood, the author notices the Julian Bower and the Floral Games of the Romans.

"Near the junction of the two rivers, on the South-west of the town, was formerly one of those mazes common to Roman stations, called the Julian Bower. In these the youth were exercised in a martial game, called Troy Town, which in after years, though divested of its martial character, continued to be amongst the healthy pastimes of the young, in their evening assemblies of pleasure and sport. Cultivation has long since effaced every vestige of the maze; but the piece of land on which it stood still retains the name of the Julian Bower Close.

A peculiar rustic ceremony, which used annually to be observed at this place, doubtless derived its origin from the Floral games of antiquity. On the morning of May-day, when the young of the neighbourhood assembled to partake in the amusements which ushered in the festivals of the month of flowers, a train of youths collected themselves at a place to this day called the May Bank. From thence, with wands enwreathed with cowslips, they

243

walked in procession to the may-pole, si-
tuated to the West end of the town, and
adorned on that morning with every va-
riety in the gifts of Flora. Here, uniting
in the wild joy of young enthusiasm, they
struck together their wands, and scatter-
ing around the cowslips, testified their
thankfulness for that bounty, which widely
diffusing its riches, enabled them to re-
turn home rejoicing at the promises of the
opening year. That innovation in the
manners and customs of the country,
which has swept away the antient pas-
times of rustic simplicity, obliterated
about forty years ago this peculiar ves-
tige of the Roman Floralia.

"In the fields on the South side of the
town, the ground abounds with fragments
of cinerary urns, and several perfect ones
have also there been discovered. From
these circumstances, together with the ap-
pearance of the soil, it seems certain that
in this part the Romans used to burn their
dead on the funeral pile. Of the urns
found, only two are known to exist in the
neighbourhood; one being in the collec-
tion of Sir Joseph Banks, at Revesby Ab-
bey, the other in the possession of Mr.
Crowder, an inhabitant of the town *.

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After describing the Church and the present state of the town (accompanied with illustrative views) the author enters on the "Soke of Horncastle," which contains mere "sketches" of the manorial estates. The accounts of the adjoining vil

lages are concisely but interestingly
given, and accompanied by some
neat Vignettes. Our limits will per-
mit us only to give one more ex-
tract; and that is relative to the
beautiful and romantic village of So-
mersby.

* We are enabled, by the permission of the Author, to give a Representation of these urns; and also a view of Somersby Cross.

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1821.]

REVIEW.-Sermons by Boys and O'Donoghue.

35. Sermons. By the Rev. Thomas Boys, A. M. of Trinity College, Cambridge. Svo. pp. 420. Baldwin and Co.

36.

The Christian Minister's Farewell, a Sermon, &c. By the Rev. H. C. O'Donoghue, M. A. of St. John's College, Cambridge, &c. 8vo. pp. 36.

245

ing Houses, adopted the Belles Lettres of the Poor, and played off Sin and Satan, like Punch and his wife, in a style at which educated people revolt, as well as others of strong mind and knowledge of the world. Now Sermons of this kind ought not THERE are many well-meaning to be published, for not a single prinpersons, especially female enthusiasts, ciple of literature is consulted in the who judge of sermons and porter by composition of them; and the matthe same standard; viz. that neither ter consists of one unvarying round is good without a great deal of froth. of common place, drest up in a jarWe literary brewers know, however, gon of Scriptural quotation, which the secret. Sermons ought to be doc- rather degrades than embellishes, at trinal and practical expositions of least destroys that sublimity which "Scripture, plain malt and hops, well pervades the Holy Writings, and is chemicized; and, if founded upon the sure to appear, when they are judiGospels or Lessons, such sermons are ciously exhibited. We need only capable of being made very interest- mention the excellent manner of Dr. ing. The Sermons of Blair are Mo- Mountain, Bishop of Quebec, to tal Essays, because they were intend- show, that there is no necessity for ed for reading, as English Classicks; this tautological trash (the adoption. and had they been otherwise, they of which has caused an able man, Mr. would have fallen dead from the O'Donoghue to be ejected from the Press, and done no good at all. No Chaplaincy of the Trinity House), person will read fanatical discourses, but that Orthodoxy and Theology but gormandizing enthusiasts, to gra- may be so united, as to produce attify their insatiable appetite for excite- traction, in respect to auditors of all ment; while Blair commands readers of kinds. The Orthodox Church still all descriptions, and converts persons retains power; but the annoyance of not already converted, by pure wis the Bishops from bad taste is not far dom. The grand orations of Alison, distant; and Enthusiasm is the claim breathing the fragrant holiness of the of passion to merit without the toil: dignified subject, rank equally high, still cant, jargon, nor a black coat, but are of different character. We do not form a sound Divine merely have thus spoken in a strong figure, a mimic or echo.-Mr. O'Donoghue because we do not think that one in considers the manner of preaching a thousand has an idea of Christianity reprobated, as a principle essential sufficiently exalted. It is a sublime to Christianity, and himself, accordand beautiful system of Philosophy, ingly, as a martyr; but, if he found founded upon the most elevated rea- his congregation disgusted, how was son, and illustrative of the wisdom it possible that he could do any good? and goodness of Providence. Alison Does not the Holy Spirit, the patron displays this connexion, and to such and guide of the Church, direct the an idea of it the most cultivated Minister to be all things to all men, mind willingly submits itself; and that he may gain some? Is not manthe Love of God thus becomes a ner to be subservient to success, if pleasurable feeling, and no pleasure that manner includes principle and able feeling can exist without mighty would St. Paul, that glorious Apostle, influence. This then is the edifica- turn out Alison, engaged in the dif tion, which, by forming principles, ficult task of Christianizing men proovercomes the world, and it results fessionally aspirants of riches, and from Sermons, like those of Alison, educationally fastidious, in order to i.e. it renders abstract impressions of substitute a Methodist, whom they operative action. It refines and spi, would account a solemn buffoon; and ritualizes. But the process is too who treats his congregation, however clarified for the ignorant. We think enlightened, by putting on an apron, that they ought to have plain expo- as a Soul-carpenter, whose trade it sitions of Scripture; but the Conven- is to hammer religious tinned lacks ticle having introduced a vitiated taste, into walking coffins, enclosing emmany able and well-meaning Clergy- bodied souls, dead in trespasses and men have, in order to thin the Meet sins. We feel for Mr. O'Donoghue

as

246

REVIEW.-Memoirs of King George III.

as a sufferer from good intention, but consider his martyrdom to consist in want of judgment, and deviation from the Scripture rule, exemplified by St. Paul, who used one manner at Athens, and another at Jerusalem. Add to this Chap. V. and the Watch story.

Mr. Boys's 19th Sermon, on the Political Duties of the Clergy and People, is original and good. From that we make the following extract:

[Sept.

ledge during the late Reign. 12mo. pp. 276. Simpkin and Marshall.

SMALL as this Volume is in bulk, it contains a good and pleasing epi- · tome of the personal bistory of most excellent and truly exemplary Monarch.

The particulars of the affecting malady which clouded his latter days are delicately related; and his Majesty's recovery from the first attack is thus stated:

"Feb. 23, 1789, the Prince of Wales and Duke of York, on an invitation from the Queen, had an interview with his Majesty at Kew, in the presence of her Majesty and Col. Digby. The conversation was confined to general and indifferent topics, and was chiefly directed to the Duke of York, on the concerns of the army. The King appeared perfectly rational and composed. On the same day, Mr. Pitt and Lord Melville were dining with Lord Chesterfield, when a letter was brought to the former, which he read, and, sitting next to Lord Melville, gave it to him under the table, and whispered, that when he had looked at it, it would be better for them to talk it over in Lord Chesterfield's dressing-room. This proved to be a letter in the King's own hand, announcing his recovery to Mr. Pitt, in terms to the following effect:

"It would appear, according to their way of thinking, as if they have indeed their duties as individuals, but the moment they come to politics, then Christian obligation, and Christian restraint, are to cease at once. They may abuse their superiors; they may hate and revile their Sovereign; they must speak of particular individuals in or out of office, at the head of one party or the other, with the most bitter expressions of personal malignity; they may wish the death of persons, whom they never saw, and of whose real conduct and character, they positively know little or nothing; and then think they have done no harm; as if, when once they get upon state affairs, they get upon a ground, that is out of the jurisdiction of the Almighty; as if God actually did not see the rancour of their heart, and did not note its bitterness, and would not call them to an account for every one of its malignant movements. A man cannot, however, so far close his eyes and ears, as not to perceive, that a spirit of insubordination is abroad; a spirit of hostility, not merely to constituted authorities, but to all, whose sentiments differ from our own, in proportion as they are eminent and known and conspicuous. A crying sin of this country, in the present day, is hatred. It shews itself in the private intercourse of life: in the private transactions between man and man: in the private feelings among neighbours. But it especially shews itself in our politics! We have at least, that feature, which has been declared, by a modern writer, to be essential to the political character. We are good haters'." pp. 318-320. We shall conclude with another ter from Sir Joseph Banks, printed in excellent remark:

"There appears to be a feeling now existing on the part of many, towards the Monarch of these realms, a low feel

ing of personal ill-will, which is quite in

consistent with the Bible and the Chris-
tian character." p. 323.

37. Memoirs of his late Majesty George
III. written with a special View to the
Progress of Religion, Civil and Religious
Liberty, Benevolence, and General Know-

"The King renews with great satisfaction his communication with Mr. Pitt, after the long suspension of their intercourse, owing to his very tedious and painful ill

ness.

He is fearful that, during this interval, the public interests have suffered great inconvenience and difficulty.

"It is most desirable that immediate measures should be taken for restoring the functions of his government, and Mr. Pitt will consult with the Lord Chancellor tomorrow-morning, upon the most expedient means for that purpose. And the King will receive Mr. Pitt at Kew afterwards, about one o'clock."-This letter, it is said, the King wrote privately, and sent off directly to the Minister."

And here, in a new Edition, the Editor would do well to copy a Let

our last Volume, part ii. p. 99, dated "Soho-square, Feb. 23," but announcing to his friend the happy event as testified by himself two days earlier, Wednesday the 21st.

The delightful conference with which Mr. Justice Hardinge was honoured by the King and his amiable Consort, so admirably described in a confidential Letter (see vol. LXXXIX. parti. p. 38,) was several weeks before

the

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