quick apprehension, in which he was admirable." Yours, &c. Mr. URBAN, time when J. B. Nov. 12. in this virtue, as none can attest better than this Prelate, whose Patron he was *." "An universal inspection into sciences most becoming a gentleman. memory neither doth, (I believe ever possibly can) direct A publick is so the attention of the me towards an example more splendid in this kind, than the Lord Bacon, Earl of St. Albane's; who, in all companies, did appeare a good proficient, if not a master in those arts, entertained for the subject of every one's discourse. So, as I dare maintaine, without the least affectation of flattery or hyperboly, that his most casuall talke deserved to be written; as I have been told his first and foulest copyes required no great labour to render them competent for the nicest judgements; a high perfection, attainable only by use, and treating with every man in his respective profession, and what he was most versed in. So as I have heard him entertaine a Country Lord in the proper termes relating to Hawkes and Dogges, and, at another time, out-cant a London Chyrurgeon. Thus he did not only learne himselfe, but gratify such as taught him, who looked upon their callings as honoured through his notice. Nor did an easy falling into arguments (not unjustly, taken for a blemish in the most) appeare lesse than an ornament in him. The eares of the hearers receiving more gratification than trouble: and (so) no lesse sorry when he came to conclude, then displeased with any did interupt him. Now this generall knowledge he had in all things, husbanded by his wit, and dignified by so majesticall a carriage he was knowne to owne, strook such an awful reverence in those he questioned, that they durst not conceale the most intrinsick part of their mysteries from him, for feare of appearing ignorant or saucy. All which rendered him no lesse necessary than admirable at the Council table, where, in reference to impositions, monopolies, &c., the meanest manufactures were an usuall argument; and, as I have heard, did in this baffle the Earle of Middlesex, that was borne and bred a Citizen, &c. ; yet without any great (if at all) interupting his other studies, as is not hard to be imagined of a Juxon and Charles I. state of the Circulating Medium of this Country; and when Mr. Cobbett seems desirous of exciting a general spirit of dissatisfaction by his re-iterated misrepresentations; it is the duty, Mr. Urban, of every man to offer his sentiments on the subject, and to sug gest any remedies that may seem calculated to restore tranquillity to the public mind. The Report of the Bullion Committee has clearly shewn us the principal cause of the disappearance of Cash out of this kingdom, by advances made to Government by the Bank in Specie, for the use of our troops abroad, and from the comparative value of coined and uncoined Gold, and of both respecting a Paper Currency: and it is equally notorious, that the smuggling concerns of this country respecting the import of contraband articles, and the export of coined metal, as a commodity, have contributed still farther to exhaust the remaining specie. The knowledge of a cause usually suggests a remedy; and we may indulge a hope, that, if not immediately on the assembling of Parliament, yet at no distant period, this remedy will be resorted to. Now we may state with precision, and without danger of its being controverted, that the circulating medium of a state is, as its name imports, designed for the exclusive benefit of that state. In our commercial transactions with foreign nations, the Ingot," or the Bar, the coin of foreign nations, when it has by chance found its way here, Gold dust, &c. &c. are the medium to be resorted to, to settle balances, when the circumstances of commercial intercourse require it. One nation does not coin money with a view of passing current in another; and, indeed, in neighbouring nations on the Continent, the introduction of foreign coin is so strictly prohibited, as to be incon venient to travellers. Likewise with respect to the mintage of money, ast it is always to be understood that a considerable expence attends it, reason requires that an alteration of system should take place; and that the submit, instead of this coin, a mixture of metals; which, with the addition of a small quantity of silver, our native mines would readily, supply The French had their six-liards piece composed of silver and copper. I should rather wish to see silver and tin substituted, with, perhaps, a proportion of iron to contribute to its hardness; or the metal known by the name of tulenag, which, I believe, has been used in the East Indies in a con. This coin might be the size of a shilling, but thicker: and its half would form a very useful coin, as a three-penny piece. It is understood, both these should be intrinsically worth their stated value, deducting 5 per Cent. for Mintage; and, by means of the powerful Engine abovementioned, such a bold relief, and sharpness of die, might be given to the coin, as would secure it against its being counterfeited. These regulations would effectually put a stop to the inconveniences at present complained of, as to want of cash; and when a sufficient supply was put into circulation, which, from the reasons above stated, would not find their way into foreign countries, then the Bank might resume their payments in Cash; as, notwithstanding all Mr. Cobbett's malevolent suggestions, it never will be the interest of individuals to receive Cash instead of Paper, in large payments; more particularly with respect to money transactions between distant parts of the Empire. I shall close this paper, Mr. Urban, with my ardent wish, that a Registration of real and personal property of Country Bankers, to an amount to cover their permitted issue of bills payable to hearer, may be one of the first acts of the next Session of Parliament. Mr. URBAN, OBSERVATOR. Nov. 23. WISH to correct a mis-statement (I am persuaded an unintentional one) into which your Correspondent Asiaticus has been led in p. 203. The. fact is, that Mr. Hyde never was Chief Justice; but went out third on the Bench, in the Commission which was * I have just seen a resolution of the Mine Adventurers, in Cornwall, stating the low price of Copper, and proposing anapplication to Government for a Coinage of Copper. new the money so coined should not be worth its value as Gold or Silver, but that it should pass as such in internal circulation, on account of its image and superscription. We might fix the value at 5 per Cent. discount; though probably it might bear a farther reduction, as the Bank Dollars find no difficulty in circulating at a discount of 3d. each, which is equal to 5 per Cent. A regulation absolutely necessary to take place at the period alluded to, would be, the calling in the current coin; and it might be attended with a declaratory Proclamation, that no coin should, in future, be current, but that of the reigning Monarch. Now an invention of modern times has fortunately put it in the power of the Nation to re-produce its circulating cash with the greatest facility. Mr. Bolton's Steam Engine, as I was informed by a young man who had an employment in the late Coinage of Copper money, could coin, and had frequently coined, ten tons of metal in a day. Admitting then the abovementioned regulation, as to the difference of price between coined and uncoined metal, the calling in, and reissue of the specie in each successive reign, would prove an advantage, instead of a burthen to the State; and the currency of counterfeit, and likewise, of obliterated money, would be effectually put an end to. I shall just submit my thoughts on the different species of Coin, which might, with advantage, be put in circulation. The guinea, half-guinea, and seven-shillings piece, seem very well adapted for the purpose of a Gold currency; though, considering the opulence of this Nation, there might with propriety be admitted a proportionate number of two guinea pieces. With respect to the Silver currency, it may be remarked, that the crown piece is certainly an unwieldy piece for carriage, either in the purse, or loose in the pocket, and it would better answer the purposes of both upper and middle ranks of life, to have the half-crown piece substituted in its place. The shilling piece is unexceptionable, though not. so the six-pence; which, from its thinness, and the effects of wear and tear, is most generally observed in circulation to be scarcely one-third of its value. I should, therefore, humbly appointed them down is of no use-it has often been tried it acts but for a short time; and that time by leaving them in the hands of the retail tradesmen. Were the Legislature to call in all the old Copper, the loss would not exceed 10,000/.; and would confer a great benefit on tradesmen in general. Yours, &c. G. W. W. Mr. URBAN, N Holbrook Hall, Suffolk, a tour last summer, passing through the small and rural village of Walton, in Bucks, situated in the meadows by the lesser Ouse, I found, in the Church of that place, the following epitaph, engraven on a brass mural plate, in the chancel. I was particularly struck with it, as a most affectionate proof of a fond parent, as well as the elegance of its style. I. H. R. N. "Elizabetha vale, mea lux, mea vita, quousque appointed in 1774; Sir Elijah Impey Mr. URBAN, Whitechapel, Nov. 16. . . building of Chapels of Ease, permit me to observe, that they would not benefit the Established Church in the smallest degree, as Chapels are supported (particularly Methodist) on several accounts; viz. the apparent zeal of the Preachers, their accommodating aud friendly manners, with their congregations (in many cases approaching to servility); the frequent meeting of different Societies held at the Vestries; and, I assure you, Sir, no less than five Societies are held at Sion Chapel Vestry; and several more, intimately connected, though not held there; and, lastly, I think I may add, the Musick and Singing. Church Musick, I am sorry to say, has seldom been the theme of praise; yet we well know that every place of worship that is famed for Singing is always well attended; for instance the Foundling, the Magdalen, the Asylum, &c. I perfectly agree with T. T. R. that a new Coinage of Silver is wanted; but I think none of Copper. The redundance of Copper is so great in the working neighbourhood in London (for 1 know nothing of the Country) that many tradesmen, particularly cheesemongers, bakers, &c. have, in general, from 50. to 100%, of Copper (half of it old) by them at a time; and are under the necessity of getting some friend, who has the paying of a number of workmen, to take them off their hands, and receive a bill at one or two months for them, besides the loss of time, and the expence of paper, in doing them up. Crying Yours, &c. Jungimur in cœlis, filia chare, vale; In vultu virtus, tenerisque resplenduit annis Innocuæ vitæ cum probitate fides." Eheu tam cito, quod resecabat stamina, pollet Atropos, ac vitæ parcere parca tuæ, "Elizabeth, the daughter dear Of William Pyxe, here lies intered. And eke her friend's delight was shee; In tender budde is fall'n away; She is preserv'd from bell's annoyes. Untill we meet in heaven for aye, "She departed this life 4th Jan. 1617, and the 11 year of her age.” LITERARY INTELLIGENCE. Communications for this ARTICLE will always be thankfully received. The Rev. Mr. LYSONS has a new Edition of this Environs of London nearly ready for publication, with Alterations and Additions, brought down to the present Time. A Volume of the additional matter will be published at the same time, for the purchasers of the former Edition. Considerations on Bullion and Coin, Circulation and Exchanges, with a View to our present Circumstances, by GEORGE CHALMERS, E.F.N. S.S.A. author of " An Estimate of the Comparative Strength of Great Britain,” is in the press. A Life of WILLIAM WAYNFLETE, Bishop of Winchester, Lord High Chancellor to Henry VI. and Founder of Magdalen College, Oxford, by the late Dr. RICHARD CHANDLER, will be published early in the Spring. A Description of the Antient Terracottas in the British Museum, by TAYLOR COMBE, esq. illustrated with Forty-one Plates, engraved after the Drawings of WM. ALEXANDER, esq. will be published on the 1st of January. Mr. BARRE ROBERTS's matchless Cabinet of the Coins of England, Scotland, and Ireland; likewise his Anglo-Gallic Coins, Coronation Medals, and many of the works of Thomas Simon, are advertized for sale early in February next, if not previously disposed of by private contract. (See vol. LXXX. p. 179.) His select Library is also to be sold by auction. Dr. BROWNE has now on the eve of publication, for the use of schools, Pinacotheca Classica ; or Classical Gallery; containing a Selection of the most distinguished Characters in Antient and Modern Times, as drawn by the most cele brated Grecian, Roman, and British Historians, Biographers, &c. Mr. CHITTY, of the Middle Temple, has announced his intention of delivering, immediately after Michaelmas Term, a Practical Course of Lectures on the Commercial Law. This Series will comprehend dissertations from the best writers on the Lex Mercatoria, among nations, as acknowledged by our Municipal Law; on the Commercial privileges and disabilities of Aliens; on the modes adopted by the different branches of the British Legislature, for the promotion and regulation of Foreign and Domestic Commerce; and on the spirit and effect of all the various Mercantile Contracts. Mr. W. MOORE, of the Royal Military Academy, is engaged in preparing for the press, a Treatise on Fluxions, with the various Applications of that Science, And Mr. P. BARLOW, of the Royal Military Academy, is about to publish a Collection of Mathematical Tables, among which will be some to facilitate the solution of the Irreducible Case of Cubics. Mr. W. MARRAT'S Introduction to Mechanics will be published before the end of the present year. A second edition, on an improved scale, of "The Journal of a Regimental Officer during the recent Campaigns in Spain and Portugal, under Lord Wellington," is in the press. Mr. SOUTHEY's Poem of Kehama, is nearly finished at the press of the Ballantynes of Edinburgh. Mr. C. BRADLEY, of Wallingford, has a Lexicon of the New Testament nearly ready for the press, principally intended for the use of Schools: and, consequently, less extensive than Parkhurst's Lexicon, though compiled on a somewhat similar plan. The various senses in which every word is used by the Sacred Writers, will be given in English, difficult phrases and expressions will be concisely elucidated, and those variations of the verb or noun which might occasion any difficulty to the young Student, will be inserted and referred to their themes. The Library of the late WILLIAM PLATEL, esq. of Peterborough, including his interesting Collection of Arabic, Persian, Bengalee, and other MSS. forming part of the Library of the late Emperor Shah Aulum, will be sold by auction this Winter. The Author of "Wallace" has a Volume of Poems nearly ready. Bannockburn has been selected by Miss HOLFORD as the subject for her next Metrical Romance. Mr. PERCEVAL ELIOT, a Commissioner of Public Enquiry, is engaged in An Answer to Mr. Huskisson's Pamphlet on the Depreciation of Money. Dr. MAVOR's Edition of TUSSER'S Five Hundred Points of Good Husbandry, is in great forwardness. A new and elegant Edition of SPELMAN'S translation of XENOPHON'S Expedition of Cyrus is in the press. Mr. BARRON FIELD, Student of the Inner Temple, bas in the press a full Analysis of Blackstone's Commentaries, by a Series of Questions, to which the Student is to frame his own Answers, by reading that Work. 33. Scrip notions of the sites of countries and towns, seas and rivers, the exploits of "The Seven Champions of Christendoin" may be mistaken for real occurrences, and the travels of Damberger implicitly credited; and thus these idle fables may by ignorance be placed on the same shelf with the records of Moses and the Apostles.Speaking of young persons who peruse the sacred volumes of Scripture without geographical aid, Mr. Toy very sensibly observes: They may read that Jacob and his family left the land of Canaan, and went down into Egypt; that, after many years, 33. Scripture Geography: in Two Parts: Tof ingenuous youth of both sexes, throughout the British empire, few arguments need now surely be addressed in print, to induce them to pay a very marked attention to the religious part of education. The clashing lucubrations of Doctors Rennel, Vincent, Barrow, and Knox, warm, and even intemperate, as, perhaps, they sometimes were, have certainly done the state good service. They have drawn the minds of all parents and guardians, who wish to act worthy of those responsible appellations, more keenly to the subject: they have, also, incidentally produced hints, which care, and patient examination by the test of practical experience, may, no doubt, greatly improve. By the religious part of education, we expect to be clearly understood to mean, that grand portion of it which is devoted to the elucidation of Christian tenets, and the enforcement of Christian duties, upon the broad basis of Scriptural Revela tion. As decided adherents to our venerable Establishment, we ourselves may well be supposed to give the preference to our own more immediate persuasion: but, when treating on the promotion of the knowledge of Religion generally, as believing Christians, our charity expands, of course; and we wish every due blessing may ensue from the pious elementary labours of every teacher, who takes THE OLD and THE NEW TESTAMENT for his chief guides, in the pure spirit of humility, and in the search of truth, To facilitate the study of all antient history, and to assist human n:emory in the retention of facts and dates, a competent acquaintance with Chronology and Geography is indispensibly necessary. Without some clear and positive leading epochas to which remarkable events can be referred, and without some definitive GENT. MAG. November, 1810. their desceudants became a BumeroUS people, lef. Egypt, wandered in the wilderness forty years, and, at length, setled again in the land of Canaan; but, for want of a geographical knowledge of of the force and connection of the subject these countries, as they then stood, much is lost; and they are apt, the Author is afraid, more generally to consider them as fabulous stories, than as facts founded on the real state, situation, and divisions of the country."-Preface. In this opinion, we heartily join, from painful conviction. In our Literary Intelligence, val. LXXX. p. 440, we briefly announced the preparation of this useful little work, and with sincere satisfaction Our Author here presents the rising we now hail its successtul completion. generation of religious students with with exemplary caution and felicity a neatly-printed manual, compiled of selection, and with a perspicuous conciseness that merits public approbation and encouragement. Mr. T.'s industry of research and accuracy of choice, in putting together his materials from various high authorities, are conspicuous: but even these good qualities, valuable as we deem them, desty, and the diffidence he permits are surpassed by his unaffected mohimself to express: "In the event of this work being thought worthy the attention of the publick," says he, "it will be a great satisfaction to the Author; for, should it be the means of fixing the mind of one young person more strongly on the important truths of Scripture, he prizes too highly the blessings pronounced on him who shall guide one person into the way of truth, to think that his labour has been bestowed in vain."-Ibid. Such |
