sired to extend the privileges of the peo- | would be disadvantageous to England, ple, and to incline them to support any forgetting that unity always strengthens measure opposed to the king. both parties. A disinclination to any measure desired by the king, also actuated many; but such reasons are unworthy of all true lovers of their country, and must be injurious to its best interests. In these and other discussions, more than half a year passed, during which the house evaded granting any supply, though earnestly pressed to replenish the exchequer, emptied by the king's profuse carelessness, and pressed by the claims upon the treasury. At last, fearful of an absolute refusal, the king prorogued the parliament, after a session which had lasted a year; he was then further mortified by a document prepared by the house of commons, in which they justified their proceedings, and declared the assertions and claims of the king to be unfounded. In the address to the house of Commons, in reply to the royal speech, the powers of parliament were thus noticed by the speaker: "By the power of his majesty's great and high court of parliament only," | said that officer to the monarch, 66 new laws are to be instituted, imperfect laws reformed, and inconvenient laws abrogated, whose power therein is such and so absolute, that no such laws can either be instituted, reformed, or abrogated, but by the unity of the commons agreement, the lords' accord, and your majesty's royal and legal assent: for that this court standeth compounded of two powers, the one ordinary, the other absolute; ordinary in the lords' and commons' proceedings; but in your highness, absolute, either negatively to frustrate, or affirmatively to confirm; but not to institute. The body of which court, or council of state, consisteth of two houses; the one, the lower house of parliament, the members are the knights of the shire, and bur- | gesses of towns and corporations; the other, the higher house, formed of the lords spiritual and temporal." James saw that much of this opposition had risen from his high notions of the prerogative, in matters of religion as well as in those of state; but though he attributed much of his disappointment to those of whom he spoke as "a pack of puritans," he was not induced to alter his views, or to conciliate this large body of his subjects. The French ambassador again commented on this conduct; he James, in spite of all this, lives in the conviction that he is wiser than all his councillors; and is able, in spite of all complications, to remain neuter, and enjoy peace and repose. I, on the other hand, contemplate the approach of much misfortune and confusion; and can assure your majesty, that you have rather reason to reflect on, and compassionate his perversity and its ruinous results, than to fear his power." The commons and the king soon came into collision. Sir Francis Godwin, elected member for the county of Bucking-wrote to his sovereign as follows: "King ham, had been set aside by the clerk of the crown, and sir John Fortescue, a counsellor, returned in his room, on the plea that Godwin had been outlawed. The commons asserted that the right of decision respecting the eligibility of members rested only with the house, and declared Godwin duly elected, after an inquiry, in which it was pleaded that the outlawry had been done away by the general pardon at the king's accession. After much dispute, the affair was compromised by setting aside both claimants for the seat, and issuing a new writ. This established the claim of the house of commons, to be the sole judges of elections, and was a severe blow to the claims of the king, who had indiscreetly reflected upon his immediate predecessors, by declaring that such precedents as had been urged from the times of minors, tyrants, or women, did not deserve attention. The dispute rendered the parliament less inclined to promote the king's desire for a union between England and Scotland. The real advantages of such a measure were lost sight of, under the selfish feelings of a few, who urged that it Without entering into ecclesiastical matters, we must remark, that the conduct pursued by those high in authority did much to increase the number who were disaffected to the ruling powers, both in church and state. This gave advantage to designing men, and drove many to act together against the royal authority, who differed widely among themselves, while it strengthened the hands of merely political partisans. This feeling was further increased by the view generally taken of a body of canons, adopted by the clergy in convocation, in 1604; but these, not being sanctioned by the parliament, the judges did not hesitate to prohibit ultimate proceedings against the laity founded upon them. These measures were urged forward by archbishop Bancroft, and others of the leading clergy; one, however, the bishop of St. David's, pleaded for milder courses, and said, "I wish, that if by petitions made to the king's majesty, there cannot be obtained a complete removal of the premises which seem too grievous to divers, nor yet a toleration for them that are of the more staid and temperate carriage, yet at least there might be procured a mitigation of the penalty, if they cannot be drawn by our reasons to a conformity with us." Hutton, archbishop of York, also declared his opinion respecting the measures then urged forward. He said, "The puritans, whose fanatical zeal I dislike, though they differ in ceremonies and accidents, yet they agree with us in substance of religion; and I think all, or the most part of them, love his majesty and the present estate, and I hope will yield to conformity. But the Papists are opposite and contrary in very substantial points of religion, and cannot but wish the pope's authority, and popish religion to be established. It is high time to look unto them; very many are gone from all places to London, and some are come down to this country in great jollity, almost triumphantly. But his majesty, as he hath been brought up in the gospel, and understands religion exceeding well, so he will protect, maintain, and advance it even unto the end; so that if the gospel shall quail, and Popery prevail, it will be imputed principally to your great counsellors, who either procure or yield to grant toleration to some." At the present day, persons of different views naturally differ in their opinions, as to the measures just described; but all must agree, that by these measures, political and religious matters were mixed together, so as not to be separated during the proceedings which followed, and which thereby received much of that culiar character they exhibit. pe ST. MARY AT THE SNOW, AND THE HOLY CRIB. ABOUT the middle of the fourth century, a noble Roman named John, having resolved to build and endow a church in honour of the Virgin Mary, she very kindly appeared to him in a dream, (so runs the legend,) informing him that it was her will the church should be built on a spot of ground which he would find covered with snow. It was the night of the fourth of August, and the air was very hot and sultry; no snow could be expected to fall, unless by miracle. Next morning, however, John and his wife repaired to the place, and there lay the snow, unmelted, as if mocking the sun, and defying all the power of his beams, till the purpose for which it was sent was accomplished. The bishop of Rome, Liberius, was immediately informed of the circumstance. He summoned his clergy; a grand procession was formed; thousands of people flocked to the spot; and in their presence the foundation of the church was laid. It has been repeatedly enlarged, enriched, and beautified, and is now one of the most splendid churches in Rome, and one of the three which are specially honoured by the personal ministrations of the Travellers never fail to visit St. Peter's, St. John Lateran, and St. Mary the Greater, and are lavish in their descriptions of the magnificence and exquisite art with which they are adorned. Every year, on the fifth of August, a solemn festival is held-the festival of "St. Mary at the Snow." On that occasion the pope officiates, attended by his cardinals; the history of the origin of the church is read; and little children, who are stationed in the gallery for the purpose, throw jessamine flowers on the congregation, in remembrance of the miraculous snow shower! pope. The same church is also known by the name of St. Mary ad Præsepe, on account of the crib or manger in which the blessed Saviour was laid, and which, it is pretended, is kept there. It is exposed to public view every Christmas day. The following account is given of a recent exhibition :-"Early on the morning of Christmas day, the reliquary of the crib in which our blessed Saviour was laid, was borne in procession to the high altar of St. Mary the Greater, where it was exposed until after vespers. With it were two other venerable relics, a portion of the straw on which he was placed, and of the swathing bands in which he was wrapped."* Alban Butler says, "It is well known how much this holy relic excited the devotion of St. Jerom, St. Paula, and others, when it remained yet at Bethlehem." It has not lost its power, even Catholic Magazine, March, 1841, page 174. + Lives of the Saints, ii. 205, royal 8vo. edition. in the nineteenth century. The baron Geramb, abbot of the monastery of La Trappe, thus describes his emotions on visiting the church :-"The first thing I did, on entering the church, was to prostrate myself before the chapel, where the crib is deposited. There I thought on Bethlehem. I brought to mind the days I had spent there; and I seemed, for an instant, to be transported to the place where Jesus was born-to that august grotto which I had so often watered with my tears. Yes, my friend, I wept anew; but my tears were tears of joy. I felt myself happy. After indulging, for some time, in these delightful feelings, I reflected on myself; a profound sigh escaped my oppressed heart. It is,' said I, 'six years since you impressed your lips, inflamed with gratitude and love, on the marble of the sanctuary of Bethlehem. Six years! You know that the Christian, and especially the religious, should tend every day to perfection. You knew it. Cast a glance on the past. What progress have you made in this time? Are you better?' I did not answer this question; I feared to be heard before the crib."* Such is the sickly religion of Rome, as spoken of by Romanists themselves. Happy are they who "worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh!" Phil. iii. 3. THE PERAMBULATOR. THIS is not only a dull, but a dark and drenching day; for the rain falls heavily, with no prospect of abatement. Well, well! it gives an additional value to the water-tight roof above me, the dry, soft carpet under my feet, the substantial furniture around me, and the cheerful fire, that wears the face of a friend. There are times when we look around for amusement. The present moment is a season of this kind with me, and I have spread before me the map of Europe, with the intention of perambulating, in my fancy, some of the popular cities and public places that have made a noise in the world. It is said that, now, knowledge is so liberally spread among mankind, that every body knows every thing; and though this saying goes far beyond the truth, yet, certain it is, * Journey from La Trappe to Rome, page 115. that we have a much more general acquaintance with places over the seas than we used to possess. Let me, then, draw on the resources of my memory, in giving a sketch, such as you, perhaps, or any one moderately educated, who has seen a little of the world, read a little of its manners and customs, and reflected a little on men and things, might do equally well with myself, and, for aught I know, a great deal better. As my present tour is to be an ideal one, (though my remarks will be consistent with truth,) I shall be able to transport myself to the several places I purpose to perambulate, without the assistance of coach, steamboat, diligence, or railroad. Come with me, then, and we will set off at once on our travels. This Antwerp is not without its attractions; for the air is smokeless, transparent, and pure: many of the buildings are imposing, and the place is rich in paintings of value. The celebrated "Descent from the Cross," by Rubens, the prince of Flemish painters, is among them. I have been standing over the dust of the artist in the church of St. Jaques, gazing on the altarpiece painted by him. His gifted hand has long since mouldered beneath the pavement, but his reputation as a painter is yet in its prime. The scene here is far from being an English one; but so much the better, the greater is the variety. Never mind the clatter of wooden shoes on the pavement, nor the short gowns and Dutchfashioned full petticoats of the women who are passing there: content may be read in the faces of the Flemings, and that is a jewel worth wearing. The cathedral, whose highly-wrought tower, yonder, stands out in such bold relief from the clear sky, is a glorious object for the eye to gaze on. Charles the Fifth was of opinion that it was too costly a thing to be common-too good to be exposed; and that it ought to be "kept in a case.' You are looking at the citadel: a few years ago, it was battered about the ears of general Chassé, by marshal Girard. When neighbouring nations, or neighbouring individuals, look with an evil eye on one another, there is but little peace. stition. La Belle Alliance is yonder. To the friends of mankind, than the trophies of war; And one deed of compassion more grateful to view, * And now I am at Brussels, famed for laces, carpets, and silks. Trees, parks; Than the crimson-stained glories of wild Waterloo! and palaces, squares, promenades, and fountains, are around me. Yonder are the palaces of king Leopold and the prince of Orange. I have visited the cathedral, marvelling at the richly-carved pulpit, the masterpiece of Van Bruggen; and I have seen the market square and Hotel de Ville, and walked through the lace manufactory of Monsieur Ducepetiaux. Here the old and young, like human spiders, weave their beautiful webs. Infants, for such may children of four years old be called, ply their labours, and women of fouscore work for a franc, "From goodly morn to dusky-footed eve." Royalty! royalty! thou hast thy cares, and too often has thy crown a thorny lining; yet still be mindful, while lolling in thy gorgeous chariot of crimson, embroidery, and gold, blazoned with diadems, and glittering with gaudy hues, be mindful of the franc-a-day labours of thy poorer subjects! Away for Waterloo. * There is much of the picturesque in the ancient town of Liege. Many of the villages, also, are pretty; but the importunate begging of the old, and the pipesmoking of the young people, might advantageously be dispensed with. Aix-laChapelle is worth tarrying at, for it is the burial place of Charlemagne. You may, perhaps, remember to have read, that, when the tomb of the emperor was opened by Otho, Charlemagne was found sitting on a kingly throne; his skeleton frame, habited in robes of royalty, and his fleshless brow bearing a glittering diadem: at his side was his good sword "Joyeuse," at his girdle his pilgrim's pouch, and on his knees the holy gospels. * A French author has said that, before printing was discovered, architecture was the great book wherein man wrote his thoughts in "marble letters and granite pages." This is a bold conception, and, What crowds of happy-faced beings perhaps, an undeniable truth. When gazin holiday attire! What a forest of green ing on the cathedral of Cologne, someboughs, and profusion of fluttering rib- thing of this kind is felt. In the stupenbons have I passed through for it is a dous buttresses, the profusion of arches, fête day, and Brussels has poured out cornices, columns, capitals, and pediher population into the streets and sub-ments, and the forest of points and pinurbs. The very villages teem with life, reiterating the truth, that potatoes and milk, with fresh air, will put more health in the cheek than turtle and the crowded city. I have stolen a glance at the forest of Soignies, and the village of Waterloo, Mont St. Jean, and the great mound, two hundred feet high, surmounted by the Belgic lion, where lie, in quietude, hearts that raged, and limbs that struggled in the death-grapple of Waterloo! Hougoumont, too, that slaughterhouse of war, has been visited, and Martin, my peasant guide, has told me, as no doubt he tells every body, that when the chapel was on fire, the flames stopped when they came to the wooden crucifix. Alas! how prevalent is the power of super nacles presented to the eye, the intention of the architect may not be altogether intelligible, yet still they leave an impression on the mind of a powerful kind. He who gazes on the huge hieroglyphic inscribed monuments of Egypt, is sure to be awe-struck by them, though he may not be able to decipher their inscriptions. The university of Bonn, the castle of Godesberg, the ruins of Drachenfels, and the romantic beauty of the Rhine, have all their attractions; but those of the river are pre-eminent. "A blending of all beauties, streams and dells, Fruits, foliage, crag, wood, cornfield, mountain, vine, And chiefless castles, breathing stern farewells From grey, but leafy walls, where ruin greenly dwells." I might enlarge on Coblentz, the capital of the Rhenish provinces of Prussia; on the fortress of Ehrenbreitstein, (honour's broadstone;) on Wiesbaden, with its boiling spring; on Braubach, with its frowning old castle of Marksburg; on St. Goar, situated in the midst of the enchanting scenery of the Rhine; on Frankfort on the Maine, one of the first places for trade in Europe; and on Kronthal, with its gas baths and castles of Kronberg, Königstein, and Falkenstein; but, no! here I am in Switzerland. Freyberg, Offenberg, Brucksal, Darmstadt, Heidelberg, Carlsruhe, and Baden-Baden, the first of all German watering places, have been passed through, and I am now, as I before said, among the Swiss. Basle is the birth place of Hans Holbein, and the burial place of Erasmus, and many of the reformers, but I am not at Basle. Near this city, in the year 1444, was fought the celebrated battle between the French and Swiss, when the latter, fired with the love of country, killed tenfold their numbers; but I am not on the battle plain. I am standing on a hill, near Bienne, with my hands uplifted, and my eyes intensely fixed on the distant mountains, crying out, at the top of my voice, "The Alps! the Alps! the Alps!" These giant warriors have battled with the hurricane from generation to generation. Man, pigmy man, has passed in succession from the earth as a vapour, and the perishable records of his existence, have mouldered away; but yonder are the Alps still! There they are, piercing, with their elevated points, the very heavens! dark are their shadows, but their illumined sides are light and bright as the glittering garments of the angelic host. Snow and sunbeams are mingled. At once they are palaces of the earth and castles of the skies; the glowing and glorious creation of an almighty hand! I cannot think of thee, Switzerland, and of Mont Blanc, and the lake of Geneva, without bursting into poesy. Thine, thine are the sharp-pointed cliffs that arise, Berne and Geneva are behind me; I have gazed on "arrowy Rhone," ascended Mont Blanc, and crossed Savoy. Did you ever, led by listlessness or curiosity, glide stealthily into the interior of a Roman Catholic church, when the night was contending with the morn? the altar tapers with the opening day? Did you ever mark beauty in her morning robe, age, with his palsied limbs, and poverty habited in rags, kneeling by turns to a wooden crucifix, crossing themselves, supplicating painted saints, and praying to "a god that cannot save?" Such a sight as this which, in Roman Catholic countries, is an every-day picture, goes, or ought to go, to the very soul; it ought to arouse us to prayer, that the thick darkness of the mind may be scattered; and the truth as it is in Jesus universally diffused, accompanied by the power of the almighty Spirit. Millions are hourly forgetting, or rather living without the knowledge, that Jesus Christ only can forgive sins! I have zig-zagged up the Alps: the broad Napoleon road has been my pathway. Charlemagne led his army across Mont Cenis; and Hannibal, I think, conducted his legions another road: but I must not wander into history, being far enough from home as it is. Leaving behind me voitures and voituriers, mules and muleteers, houses of refuge, (ricoveri,) and way-side crucifixes, glittering glacieres, and threatening avalanches, here am I in Italy. Ay! in Italy, perambulating, wherever fancy pleases to set her foot! O Italy! blooming in pride of thy place, When valour and virtue adorned thee, and shed brow, And thy heart-But there's no time to moralize now; Alas! fallen fair! while the hour passes by, We must sum up the present and past with a sigh. I cannot stop at Susa, except to steal a glance at the broken vine-clad hills, the steep acclivities, and churches and monasteries that surround it; nor at Turin, longer than to hurry from my inn, to gaze on Guido, Murillo, and Carlo Dolci, paintings, throngs of musicians, soldiers, jugglers, and mendicant friars, and to ponder a moment on the single-arched new bridge over the Doria. One word about this bridge. Know, then, if you do not know already, that this erection was a difficult enterprize. Every one said that the bridge could not be built; and when it was built, every body said that it would |