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This petition was presented to the House of Commons, June 18, by F. Buxton, Esq. Mr. Buxton stated, that he had a petition to present from a most respectable meeting of the county of Bedford, signed by 2400 persons, praying the House to interfere, to prevent the practice of burning widows in India. When it was known, not from vague reports, but official documents, that 840 persons were burned annually in our Indian possessions, surely some attention was due to the subject on the part of the House. These exhibitions were accompanied with circumstances of the most revolting cruelty. The son set fire to the pile which consumed his mother, and the agonies of the expiring victim were the subject of indecent jocularity and brutal merriment. Often, from the poverty of the parties, the fuel was insufficient, and the half-consumed victim' was obliged to wait till fuel was procured to complete ber execution. In one instance the widow of a village barber, whose relations were too poor to procure a sufficient quantity of fuel, was subjected to excruciating tortures. He would mention another case, which proved that these horrible sacrifices were not always voluntary. A female of fourteen years

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of age had been induced by her relations to ascend the funeral pile, and after remaining upon it for a short time, her agonies became so great, that she effected her escape from it. She was brought back by her relations, and again,placed upon the pile. She escaped a second time, and ran to a watercourse, but her relations pursued her, and binding her up in a sheet, placed her a third time upon the pile.,, She escaped a third, time, and then one of the surrounding spectators seized her and cut her throat. Another opportunity would occur of bringing this subject more fully under the consideration of the House; and he would only add at present, that no danger could possibly arise from prohibiting this practice altogether. It had already been prohibited by every European Government possessing any territory in India by the French, the Danes, the Dutch, and the Portuguese, and many of the native princes had abolished it in their dominions. He hoped the Right, Hon. Gentleman opposite (Mr. Wynn) would take this subject into his serious consideration; if he did not, he (Mr. Buxton) should certainly bring it forward early in the next session.

IRISH JESUITS.

THE following account of the establishment of Jesuits at Castlebrown (now Glengowe's Wood) in Irelandy by an inhabitant of Kildare, has recently appeared in various papers. We fear it is too authentic. However Protestants may sleep, the Romanists are always on the alert, and are never bet ter pleased than when they can persuade Englishmen there is no danger.

"In the year 1814, Castlebrown, the seat of the late Wogan Brown, Esq. was purchased by the Jesuits for a college, at the sum of 16,000l.; only four Jesuits then came over from Palermo: they were Irishmen educated abroad. Mr. Kenny was their head, and each had his own department. Mr. Kenny afterwards went to America, to found an establishment there, but has since returned, and was succeeded by Mr. Aylmer, who is now the Principal. In 1817 they had only 200 pupils, but were building additions to accommodate 500, besides noviciates (or philosophers) to increase the order. In the short space of time since their purchase, they had built nearly a little town at the back of the college, having their own butchers, bakers, tailors, smiths, &c. all belonging to the order as lay brothers; and several more Jesuits came over from Italy and Russia, after the Emperor Alexander had banished them from his dominions. The strictest silence was observed by the pupils, who appeared not to dare to speak till they got leave, which

made me imagine that some of them were dumb. At this moment there are between three and four hundred pupils, besides paupers, whom they teach gratuitously. Their refectory in the new building is eighty feet long. The dormitories are admirably constructed; one room contained 144 beds, placed in squares of sixteen in a square, and built up like pews in a church, so that no boy can see another undressing; six of the masters walk up and down in turns all night, that not a word may be spoken. The boys have a separate room to wash in, and another to dress in, with boxes all round the room for combs, &c. In all the rooms where the pupils are there are private places, where every thing can be seen and heard without the boys knowing they are watched. They all answer to their number, not their names, and the college is increasing every day. The stu dents are boarded, clothed, and taught for 50% a year each. They know nothing of their own clothes, but when new ones are wanted they find them laid ready, and no inquiry to be made about them. In wet weather they walk up and down the cloisters, which go round three parts of the building. I feel persuaded the Jesuits shave spies in most houses, as incidentally I found they were aware of many family occurrences that otherwise they could not be acquainted with, Their correspondence is extensive, and they succeeded in having a

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Post-office established at Clare," the nearest village. They do not deny being Jesuits, and wear the habit of that order, which is peculiar. Their last general was a Pole, named Browniski. There was an election for a new one about two years ago, which a deputation from 'Castlebrown went to Rome to attend. They have also an establishment at Hardwick Place, Dublin, where Mr. Esmonde (son of Dr. Esmonde, who was hanged), and several other Jesuits, reside; and they 'frequently preach charity' sermons in several Popish chapels of the metropolis. There is a branch connected with them in another part of the county of Kildare, but that I know nothing of further than report. They are very cautious if any questions are asked respecting their funds, and pretend not to hear them, or evade. On my inquiring if they were" aided by private subscriptions or donations, the reply was," That door, Sir, leads to such an apartment." Their influence is very great. Since they settled in the country, all Roman Catholic servants are forbidden to attend family prayers in Protestant

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families who used to attend formerly, and very few are suffered to peruse the Holy Scriptures. The establishment attended with the greatest danger to the Protestant interests of Ireland is Clondalkin, where their itinerant emissaries are instructed. Dr. Bird, Principal Jesuit at Stonyhurst, knows this. The Order has offered 13,000/ for Fårnace, near Naas, and 9000/. for another fine mansion near Cork. The junior college at Rahan, near Tullamore, is in a prosperous state.”

"If this is the state of the Jesuitical influence in Ireland, the Members of the House of Commons have shown great ignoránce in a late debate. Protestant England too should watch the operations of Stonyhurst; the evil which could not be tolerated in the Popish states of Europe, is less fit for a Protestant soil, and it is lamentable that the seed is sowing, and abundant crops are growing of so rancorous a weed, when it could be so easily plucked/ up by the roots by following the example of the Emperor of Russia."

IRISH SOCIETY OF LONDON.

THE first Anniversary Sermon was preached before this Society, at St. Paul's, Covent Garden, by the Hon. and Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of Gloucester, from Hos. iv. 6; My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. The Anniversary Meeting took place the following day in the King's Concert Room in the Haymarket, which was numerously attended. The Bishop of Gloucester, as President of the Society, took the chair, and was ably supported by the Earl of Gosford, Viscount Powerscourt, Lord Calthorpe, Lord Lilford, Sir Stephen Claudius Hunter, Bart. W. Wilberforce, Esq. M. P. W. H. Trant, Esq. the Rev. Dr. Thorpe, Robert Daly, Basil Wood, D. Wilson, and the Secretary of the Society, the Rev. G. Mutter.

The nature, object, and importance of this Society are by no means sufficiently known, otherwise it would meet with far more decided support, though we are happy to observe its income amounts this year to upwards of 400l. The Irish labourers who are employed in our buildings, or who in time of harvest cut down our fields, chiefly use the English language; and numbers are therefore not aware, that probably not less than two millions of Irishmen cannot understand an English sermon, or even a chapter of the English Testament when read to them; and that multitudes consider every thing English as so heretical, that they are in duty bound to shut their ears to it. The following extracts, however, from speeches delivered at the meeting of the Parent Society

in Dublin, places the subject in so clear a light, that it is not necessary for us to enlarge.

The Rev. R. Daly said, that he always felt pleasure in advocating the cause of the Society for educating the native Irish through the medium of their own language. When the population was estimated at five millions, the number speaking Irish was estimated at two millions, or one million and a half; when, by the last census, the population was returned seven millions, it was not too much to estimate the Irish at two. These divide themselves into two classes -those who understand no other language but Irish, and those who know enough of English to carry on the business of market and road, but yet speak Irish at home. With respect to the last, it is well known, that in some parts of the country a magistrate cannot do his duty without an interpreter; also, at the assizes there is need of an interpreter, which proves how many are totally unacquainted with English, for the purposes of business, although they may understand enough of it for those of common intercourse. There are a much greater number of these last than superficial observers are at all aware of. Travellers driving post through a country, sometimes fancy they know every thing belonging to it; and, because they have heard no Irish in their rapid transit, they will positively assert, that none is spoken. Mr. D. stated, that he had during the last year visited a part of the country in which the

traveller would never hear a word of Irish; where he himself had often been, and thought that English was the general language; but, upon close examination, he found Irish was the language of every fireside, the language of the peasant's heart in every cottage. In this state of acquaintance with English, there is a necessity for the use of the more familiar medium, Irish, if we would convey religious instruction, or expect to be understood in any continued discourse. Mr. Daly said, he could more feelingly assert this from what had happened to himself during the last year. He heard that Mr. Mejanel, a reformed French Protestant minister, was to preach a sermon in French; and, being anxious to know how far the French Protestants preached the same truth that is in this country called the Gospel, he went to hear him, with great anxiety to collect his sentiments. He could understand a French book almost as well as an English one; but, when he was to catch the rapid delivery of the preacher, he, with all his attention and anxiety, missed so much, that many of his friends would have thought he might almost as well have stayed at home. But, how totally useless would that French sermon have been to have awakened him to seriousness, had it found him as careless and indifferent, as he really was anxious, to understand it! But some persons, if they would allow

the use of the Irish language, as a medium of instruction for the adults, object to it as worse than useless, when used towards the children, who, they say, had better be taught English. There are two answers to this. The readiest way to teach an unknown language, is to begin with that which is known; experience has fully proved this. Teach the children only English, and they will have no opportunity of practising out of school, what they have heard there'; and, therefore, they will soon forget it. It is astonishing how soon children can totally forget what they have learned in school, when not called on to practise it at home. Mr. Daly said, that he had known children come good readers out of one of the best schools, and, when they have been apprenticed six or seven years, to a master or mistress who never made them read, entirely forget it. The children of Irish parents, taught English, have no opportunity of practising at home, and will forget it: if taught Irish, the Report furnishes a pleasing proof how they will improve, by being made to read it at home; they will not be barbarians, in St. Paul's sense, to their parents; and they may be the means of bringing divine truth into the houses in which they live. The parents can say Amen to what they say, as they will understand them when they read the Scriptures in their own tongue.

LONDON FEMALE PENITENTIARY.

THE Annual Meeting of this Institution was held on the 12th of May, at the Crown and Anchor, in the Strand; W. Wilberforce, Esq. M. P. in the chair. There were present also, the Hon. Thos. Windsor, the Right Hon. Sir George Rose, Bart. M. P. Jos. Butterworth, Esq. M. P. W. A. Hankey, Esq. the Rev. Messrs. Watkins, Bartlett, Ruel, Dr. Winter, and Dr. Murphy, M. D. &c. &c. From the Report of the last year's proceedings it appears, that during that period thirty young women had been placed out to service, and thirty-five had been reconciled to their friends. Out of one hundred and forty applicants, ninety-five had been received. From the details in the Report, and other facts mentioned, and also from the statement made by Mr. Rawlins, one of the Secretaries to the Liverpool Female Peni

tentiary, of equally remarkable success attending that Institution, it can no longer be a matter of doubtful speculation, even in the minds of the most prejudiced, as to the beneficial effects resulting from these truly Christian efforts. Aiming to follow the example of the compassionate Saviour, the conductors appear to be steadily and successfully pursuing the object before them, and we very cordially wish them success. From age and infirmity, Lord Carrington, the late President of the Institution, has requested to relinquish that office; but in order to show his Lordship's unabated good opinion of the Society, and the manner in which it is conducted, he has condescended to become a Vice-President. William Wilberforce, Esq. M. P. has kindly consented to become the President of the Institution.

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NATIONAL SOCIETY.

Ar the last Anniversary of this Institution, it was communicated to the members by His Grace the Archbishop of Canter

bury, that Government had come to the determination of affording assistance to the Society by an annual grant of 1500%.

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HOME.

THE past two months have been little distinguished by any remarkable occurrence. His Majesty was again seriously indisposed in the latter part of May, but appears now to be restored to health. His gift to the nation, of the magnificent and valuable Library of the late King, occupies some attention by the discussions which have arisen as to its disposal.

The troubles of Ireland seem to increase. A quarrel lately arose at Maghera, in Derry, between the Papists and the Yeomanry, in which several lives were lost.

FOREIGN.

The state of affairs in Spain is most gloomy. Obstinacy in evil purposes marks the conduct of both parties. The prospect is uncheered by the least glimpse of common sense or right feeling.

The French army, at least that portion of it under the immediate command of the Duke of Angoulême, have marched without meeting the slightest resistance, to Madrid, the capital. After masking Pampeluna and St. Sebastian, the force which reached the metropolitan city cannot have exceeded 35,000 men; of these, a large body was detached to the left for the purpose of occupying Valencia; and two columns, of the united strength of 16,000 men, were sent forward to Seville and Cadiz. Their approach to Seville is already known; and also that the Cortes have removed, forcibly, the King to Cadiz. Up to this instant, then, it appears that the present Government of Spain has neither plan nor means of resistance, and yet that it resolutely refuses every offer of accommodation. From Cadiz, however, they cannot retreat. To some termination the matter must here come. Meanwhile Portugal has been counter-revolutionized by domestic revolt, and the King replaced in the possession of absolute authority.

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Notices and Acknowledgments,

I WILLIAM had favoured us with his address he should have been answered per post. The oath is not obsolete; but the duties of the office are difficult, and embarassing to a conscientious man; at the same time those duties must be regulated by the legal standard, and not by preconceived ideas or common prejudices. An officer cannot report what does not come under his own knowledge, or of which he has not sufficient evidence. He cannot act upon rumour, and he is not authorized to institute a court of inquiry; especially as the very questions he would be disposed to ask might really be construed as a libel. WILLIAM appears not in immediate danger, and therefore this may suffice; should the danger recur, we shall be happy to transmit him privately, somewhat more explicit. We are rather averse publicly to discuss the question. On the second point, we apprehend the parties have probably exceeded their power; the final decision belongs to the neighbouring magistrates, who of course will give the subject an impartial hearing.

W. M. and O. W. object to N. G.'s explanation of Matt, xv. 23, inserted in our Number for May, page 184; contending, that it imputes to the disciples a spirit of pride, selfishness, and uncharitableness, which the Saviour must necessarily have reproved; and argue, on the contrary, that when the disciples said, "Send her away." they in fact interceded in her behalf. W. M. indeed states, that aróλvoor air means," send her away with her request granted:" but this interpretation, though countenanced by "" dismiss her," Schleusner, is not correct; the literal meaning is," send her away and it does not necessarily imply either approbation or disapprobation. The same verb is used nineteen times by St. Matthew, in eight of which it unquestionably means DIVORCE. The majority of commentators agree with O. W. and W. M.; but the motive of the disciples is by no means clear. If the 24th verse was addressed to the disciples, the views of O. W. and W. M. are probably correct; but if it was spoken to the woman, as seems probable from her answer, no argument can be deduced from it.

If, however, N. G.'s interpretation is correct, it does not follow that the disciples' spirit would have drawn down their Master's rebuke. They were practically censured, as on another occasion, by the Saviour's conduct. (John, iv. 27.) But the wall of separation between Jews and Gentiles was not then broken down; it was still a mystery that the Gentiles should be "fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ by the Gospel." This was one of those truths which they were not yet able to bear; and some time at least after the day of Pentecost, an extraordinary vision was necessary to prepare Peter to comply with the message of Cornelius, which compliance was afterwards made a ground of accusation against him. It is, therefore, very probable, that a mistaken zeal for the honour of their Master might dictate the request; that the disciples might be in some degree indignant at the presumption of the woman in thus disturbing his tranquillity; and that He might in this, as in innumerable other instances, bear with their infirmity, and pass by the transgression of his people.

Communications have been received from J. W .M-A

-a-Cambro Briton-N.G.

U -W. Also a Sermon from Wiltshire, on 2 Cor, v, 11-and a Sermon on Gen. iii. 1—6. When C forwards the sequel of his communication, we will return an early answer.

It is not our intention to resume the subject to which S. F. B. alludes; our sentiments

on the main points have been confirmed by the publication referred to.

The former part of A Scriptural Divine's letter will appear, We are not prepared to give an opinion on the latter. The subject is of immense importance, and we doubt whether men's minds are at present, sufficiently calm to come to a correct conclusion.

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The Individual in a far distant Land has been grossly misrepresented by the party of yewhom Pertinax complains. But what better can be expected? He and his friends will @doubtless receive consolation from Matt. v. 11; and an opportunity may probably ere & long occur of placing the matter in its true light, without any direct interference, which Pwe conceive, under all circumstances, inexpedient.

Minus is scarcely admissible.

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