THE

CHRISTIAN

KEEPSAKE AND MIS

SIONARY ANNUAL. 1835. Edited by the Rev. W. Ellis. Fisher.

WE Ought sooner to have noticed this pleasing volume, which contains some very interesting pieces, both in prose and verse. Compared with the other publications, that, under the title of annuals, multiply so rapidly upon us, the Missionary Keepsake has a fair claim to Christian patronage. There is nothing very brilliant in the collection; nor indeed can we reasonably expect it; looking for something better than mere brilliancy. We hope that it will be so received, as to encourage a continuance of the work, and bring more labourers to improve it. We are disposed to apply to things of this kind, a rough, but striking remark of John Wesley on Psalmody'I see no reason why the devil should be allowed to have all the best tunes to himself.'

POLITICS.

'How spruce you are grown of late, uncle! You wear your Sunday hat every day; your coat is brushed to a nicety: your silver knee-buckles, which I have not seen for years, are now always displayed; and I don't think you have walked out, any morning, this last fortnight, without a sprig of some nice shrub in your button-hole. I am afraid you go courting-is it so?'

The old gentleman smiled, with that peculiar expression of contentment which has latterly beamed from all his features. He knew that I was well aware of its real source, and took my banter in good part. Those of my readers, whose politics square with my dear uncle's, will sympathise in his present satisfaction; those who differ, will kindly excuse it: and those ladies, who would not for the world be supposed to know any thing of the matter, can easily omit the few pages devoted to a subject that will yet, ere long, force itself upon every class in the British dominions.

Last month it was my uncle's part to apprize me of the calamity which laid our senate-houses in ruins. A different task devolved on me, just four weeks and a half after. The good man had a severe cold, and was seated before my study fire, his legs reclined on a cushion, while he pensively pondered on a small penny periodical, which his beloved Lord

Roden, had recently forwarded to him, a weekly paper, published at Belfast, entitled, The Irish Protestant,' and containing the proceedings of that conservative society, whose grand meeting in Dublin, last August, had completely Hibernicised my uncle. He has taken a great interest in the circulation of this paper; saying, it will be strange indeed, if any Christian Englishman can grudge one penny per week to be informed of the progress made by Erin's devoted protestants in building a breakwater across the path of those raging and incursive floods, which the enemy pours against her.

I stood awhile, contemplating the countenance of my revered friend, as the frequent sigh and sorrowful movement of the head, now and then relieved by a spirited nod of approbation, as he followed the argument of some animated speaker, evinced his deep interest in the subject. At length, he looked up at me, ejaculating in a half-soliloquizing mood, Well-" In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen"-the victim may be bound, ay, and the knife raised, but smite it cannot, if the Lord will to stay the blow. Now, girl, I'll tell you what I think of the present prospects, as concerns poor Ireland.'

6

Humph! I am much given to change, it seems?' Why no, not you. I have rarely met with so consistent a politician: but prospects may change, uncle; and opinions along with them.'

'Of course; but how does that affect my view of the present?'

'Because-but not to delay my agreeable informa

tion, what if the king had dispensed with the farther assistance of his Whig counsellors, and summoned around him a ministry after your own heart?'

'Avast there!' shouted my uncle, pulling off his spectacles, and kicking away the footstool. My reader must know, that the slipping out of this seaphrase always bespeaks great and sudden excitement, of an agreeable kind. It was long since I had heard him utter it- Avast there! Be quick, girl— out with your budget-no mistake?'

'None in the world, dear uncle. His majesty has, in the most unexpected manner, apprised the ministry of his determination to effect a complete change. In fact, they are displaced, one and all; and the Duke of Wellington has received the royal command to form a cabinet totally dissimilar from that, of which you will have no objection to sing the requiem.'

Up got my uncle, and placing his hands behind him, he commenced striding at such a rate up and down the room, that I could hardly keep my eyes on him; while his delight broke forth in detached sentiments- My Lord High Admiral!-splendid manoeuvre that!-ay, ay, I thought as much. Just arrived on the verge of old ocean-couldn't help thinking of the glory of former days-kicked off the trammels-heart of oak, still! Son of good old George-wonderfully fine indeed! England expects every man to do his duty," and, surely, the king first-took the lead-bore down in grand stylebroke the line-has taken up a capital position. Colours nailed fast, I do hope-hurrah!'

Dear reader! did you ever fall in with a brisk north-easter, at a corner where three narrow streets

meet? If so, you may form some idea of my uncle, just then; and about as successful would have been any attempt to interrupt his course, as to impede that of the wind. So I let him proceed, comforting myself that the exercise would be very beneficial under his cold. At length he seized me by the

shoulder, exclaiming

• You inanimate lump! why it doesn't move you!' 'There is not room for two of us to tack about, dear uncle, particularly under such a press of sail; but I feel as happy, standing still, I assure you. I am thinking of the king's declaration to the prelates, some months ago.'

This recalled my uncle at once: he softened into a look of reverential gratitude; and, in a low tone, uttered an ejaculation of fervent thanksgiving to Him by whom kings reign, and princes decree justice. Again, at my request, he seated himself by the fire, while I ran to meet the Morning Herald, which just then arrived, and put it into his hands. Why,' said he, all this took place on Saturday; how much faster ill news travels than good!'

'Suppose you had been of the late cabinet, uncle?' 'Hold your tongue, Mrs. Pert, and let me read.' Having satisfied himself that all was done to his wish, my uncle took off his spectacles, accepted the use of the restored footstool, set the Irish Protestant upright on the mantle-piece, and looking at it with great complacency, proceeded to his comments.

'Well, changed, I grant you, is the prospect; but not my opinion. I never questioned, that in some way the Lord would interpose, to answer the prayers of his poor church. So far as human foresight can penetrate, this is a rescuing hand stretched forth at