that in order to join them together, warm bitumen was used, and that between every course of thirty bricks, beds of reeds were laid, interwoven together. The piles of the walls, still standing, are from sixteen to eighteen feet above the general line of their broken summit, and their thickness is from eight to nine feet. Their materials are so strongly cemented together, that though the bricks form the hardest part of the wall, yet they cannot be detached from the mortar. All the portions of brick remaining in this vast ruin, present traces of long passages or square chambers. | always be distinguished by the colour of their hair, all those whose hair was of the right colour would be chosen for companions, friends, partners, and servants; while the bad coloured would be driven into solitude, or compelled to form a society of their own, where, like a set of scorpions, they might bite and devour one another." A discussion followed about physiognomy, which led to the mention of a remark made by Dr. Hunter. That gentleman was a frequent visitor at the house of my relatives, and as soon as his translation of Lavater came out, he preThe arch never ap-sented them with a copy. The subject was then comparatively new, and great pears, which is an evidence of the antiquity of the masses. From this, indeed, difference of opinion existed about it. both Rich and Ker Porter conclude, that Some very rash assertions were made by the Kasr is part of the ruins of the ter- the advocates of the system, on the one raced palace of Nebuchadnezzar; and as hand; and some monstrous inferences, this is stated by Herodotus to be about very unfairly charged upon it by its opseven and a half miles in circumference, ponents. At the close of a free, friendly, the latter thinks that the large rampart and spirited conversation, originating in described was the outer wall, and that the above-mentioned present, the doctor, the space included within the rampart in his broad Scottish accent, observed, "I believe that it will be found, that a answers to that recorded by the historian. One circumstance, which appears con- certain complexion and cast of countenfirmatory of this opinion, is, that on the ance indicate a tendency to the exercise northern side of the Kasr, among the of certain feelings; but it is the habitual mouldering fragments, stands the solitary indulgence of these feelings that stamps tree before described, called Athele by the habitual expression of countenance, the Arabs. This would appear to be a and stamps the character too. We all of us solitary survivor, or rather a descendant bring into the world tendencies that furof those that adorned the renowned hang- nish work enough for wisdom to find out, ing gardens of Nebuchadnezzar.-From and grace to regulate; but then it is our Assyrians and Chaldeans."* duty and privilege to obtain wisdom and grace sufficient for the purpose; and the sincere desire to do so is never unsuccessful, be the original temperament what it may." MY AUNT PRISCILLA. HER TEMPER. "Ir certainly was very wrong of me to speak so sharply; but you know my hair is sandy, and I cannot help being passionate.' This was the apology of a thoughtless school-girl, for the sinful warmth and violence discovered in a petty altercation with one of her companions. One, rather more thoughtful than herself, inquired in reply "whether all red-haired people were passionate, without being able to help it? If so," said she, "they are much to be pitied, and they cannot be blamed. However, if that be the case, I wonder that red-haired people should find any one willing to live with them, or engage in any transaction with them. It is so pleasant to live in peace, that if peaceable people and quarrelsome ones could * Published by the Religious Tract Society. What was my aunt Priscilla's temper? Let me consider, and try to recollect. It was not-but, dear me! it will be a libel on ladies, to say that the temper of a lady was free from any thing so vulgar as passion, violence, sulkiness, etc.: to suppose her capable of these, would be a direct contradiction to her proper epithet, "a gentle woman.' And yet, those who observe human nature, and especially, who observe their own hearts, that key to ten thousand hearts besides, know that human corruption may prevail under a smooth as well as under a rough exterior, and in spite of all the advantages of superior education and the violence and turbulence of spirit may restraints of polished society; and that exist, and manifest themselves as much in the unkind retort, the haughty demand, the contemptuous sneer of the parlour or drawing-room of high life, as in the vulgar, ungrammatical invective | petually casting off their friends, and setand abuse of low life. It is something, whatever path in life we tread, or in whatever rank in society our lot be cast, to have the command of our expressions; it is much more, to have the command of our passions; and this is the attainment of those, concerning whom it may be justly said, as I was about to say of my aunt Priscilla— -She was not of a hasty, passionate temper: before she spoke at all, in the language of complaint or reproof, she gave herself time to think whether there were just occasion to do so: nor, if cause of blame really existed, did she express herself with undue warmth and severity. Some persons, for every trifling injury, real or supposed, fly into a violent passion, and give vent to the language of abuse, to their own sin and disgrace. Sometimes, they will accuse others of having removed their property, and give way to anger, and pour forth invectives, which would not be justifiable, even if the article in question had been actually stolen; and presently it is found just where they had themselves placed it: perhaps in their own pocket. Thus did not my aunt. She was not of a tiresome, worrying temper; not apt to multiply injunctions, or to call people off from their present business, to receive orders about something else; nor when she had given directions for a thing to be done, would she inquire after it, before a proper time had been allowed for doing it, or inquire after it at all, with the intention of blaming a servant, if it had been neglected, but not of commending her if it had been performed. There are those who, having given an order, will presently inquire whether it has been executed; if the answer be, “No, maʼam, I forgot it," it is received with, "Ah, I thought as much; it is just like you!" but should the poor culprit, remembering past misdeeds, and determining to give satisfaction this time, be able promptly to reply, "Yes, ma'am,' she only meets the sneering remark, "I'm sure that is a wonder." My aunt did not thus worry and discourage those over whom she exercised authority. She was not of a touchy temper, not apt to take offence, when no offence was intended; nor to imagine slights and insults, in every passing remark offered. Some people, by the indulgence of this touchy temper, are per ting families and social circles in a ferment. If my aunt was obtuse in any thing, it was in perceiving slights and offences, or what might have been construed iuto such, against herself. Many things that a fiery spirit would have resented, passed unheeded by her. The person who was determined to offend her, and there were very few so disposed, must set about it in right good earnest, so as to place the intention beyond the possibility of mistake; and even then he might chance to fail of his object. She was not of a peevish, fretful, irritable temper. It was a favourite motto of hers-I remember her setting it me as a copy, when I first began to write sentences-"Endeavour to please, and you will be sure to please;" and if every body were of her disposition, it would universally hold good. I never knew her displeased with any person who tried to please her, nor did I ever know her fret about unavoidable crosses or trifling disappointments. How much uneasiness did she save herself and others, by constantly practising Dr. Watts's good resolution. "What's amiss, I'll strive to mend, And endure what can't be mended." She was not of a resentful temper, not apt to retain a recollection of offences, much less to make them a reason for withholding good, or inflicting evil, by way of retaliation. She was not in the habit of speaking of the injuries she had received; but I have often heard others remind her of them, and express surprize that she should speak of the offending parties so favourably, or treat them so kindly. She was not of a haughty, domineering temper; not given to struggle for her own will, or her own opinion, with those with whom she stood on an equal footing. She practically understood the injunction to Christians, to be subject one to another, to submit one to another in the fear of God, and by love to serve one another, 1 Pet. v. 5; Eph. v. 21; Gal. v. 13; and to those under authority, children, servants, and workpeople,— though she maintained a proper firmness, that indicated her intention to be obeyed, she never uttered her commands in an imperious tone, or with a consequential air, or with a scornful manner. Hers was not a capricious, whimsical temper, that would one minute make the same person, thing, or action, a matter of desire or approbation, and in another minute, without any adequate cause for the change, an object of aversion or censure. She was not of an irritable temper. There are some people, whose anger is ready to rise on the slightest occasion: they are angry with the work they are performing, or with the instruments in their hands, when they cannot succeed to their wish. They are often out of humour, they know not why; and angry with they know not what; like Jonah, who was angry with the wind. My aunt was not one of this sort. She was not of an inconsiderate temper. She did not allow herself to utter remarks or censure, without considering how they were likely to operate on the tempers and feelings of others. Hence, though possessing a considerable degree of natural shrewdness, she never indulged herself in wit or repartee, at the expense of the feelings of others. She was not of a morose and gloomy temper. Her habitual disposition was cheerful; but she was no stranger either to bodily suffering, or to cares and trials, that weigh down the spirit. Yet, even under these pressures, she could bear to see others cheerful, and even mirthful. She was not of a censorious temper: not eagle-eyed, to spy out the faults of others; not disposed to assign a worse motive for conduct, which, by any charitable construction, might be made to appear a better. She was not of a bigoted temper: she did not take it for granted that every one who differed from her must needs be wrong; or that even those who, in some respects, were in the wrong, must be destitute of goodness of every kind and degree. She was not of a sullen temper: she would not feel offended, and look of fended, and brood over the matter in silence; leaving those around her certain that something was amiss, but perplexed to imagine what. Neither would she, because one person had offended, be in an ill humour with every body else. When any thing was wrong she frankly and calmly expressed her displeasure to the proper person, had the matter set to rights, and then dismissed it from her feelings. She was not of a stubborn temper: she would not maintain a position, merely because she had advanced it, or justify an action, merely because she had done it. She knew how, with a good grace, to own herself convinced in an argument, mistaken in an opinion, or faulty in an action or line of conduct. No She was not, however, of an apathetic, insensible temper, indifferent to circumstances, or regardless of conduct. one had a more lively perception of what was agreeable in circumstances, or amiable in conduct; and she was by no means incapable of feeling what was painful, or of expressing a just resentment, and offering firm opposition, against what was wrong. Thus much, of a negative kind, may be justly said of my Aunt Priscilla's temper. Perhaps I might, with equal justice, have added other particulars, but I have stated enough. The reader will be disposed to say, as the writer once said, "Oh, aunt, what a happy temper is yours! it never gives you any trouble; I wish mine were half as good." And especially if the reader be young, as the writer then was, the answer of my aunt may now, in some degree, excite the surprize that it did then, "You little know, my dear, the struggles I have to maintain with my temper, in order to keep it in proper subjection; the constant need I find of watchfulness and prayer; how frequently I am driven by it to the footstool of mercy, with blushing and confusion of face, to seek pardon through that precious blood that can cleanse from all sin; and how increasingly I feel my need of the daily renewings of the Holy Spirit, to subdue in me that which is unholy, and to enable me to maintain a spirit, temper, and conversation, becoming the gospel." Such, I am now led to believe, is the general experience of those who, on Christian principles, establish a character for amiableness and good temper. All Christians have a conflict to sustain; but there is a wide difference, both in personal consistency of character, and in the diffusion of a favourable, amiable, and beneficial influence on others, between a faint, feeble struggle, and a shameful and open defeat; and a vigorous struggle, maintained in secret, the happy results of victory appearing openly. But then, it is no matter to the world in general, how a private gentlewoman, some time in the last century passed through life; and that a marble tablet, which they have never seen, records how much she was beloved and lamented by her family and friends; except as her example may serve to teach others, how they too may become amiable and endeared, and inscribe on the living tablet of many a heart, their names and characters, in letters of gratitude and love. In order to this, let me endeavour to recollect some of her principles and ob servations. She had just and scriptural views of sin and duty, in reference to the exercise and exhibitions of temper. Many persons entertain very erroneous notions on this matter, and regard faults of temper as unavoidable infirmities, incident to human nature, and act as though they were no more responsible for a bad temper than for a crooked limb; forgetting that wrath and strife are as expressly enumerated and condemned among the works of the flesh, Gal. v. 20, as uncleanness, murder, and drunkenness. The former may be as offensive to God, as hurtful to our fellow creatures, and as ruinous to ourselves, as the latter. My aunt was sensitively alive to the importance of family harmony and tranquillity. She sometimes observed, that, in all the New Testament precepts on relative duties, it seemed to be enjoined on the superior relation to keep the peace. Husbands should not be bitter against their wives; parents should not provoke their children to anger; masters must forbear threatening. My uncle, being a professional man, was often absent from home, sometimes for several weeks together. An unusually large portion of domestic authority, therefore, naturally vested in my aunt. She was anxious, in every particular, to discharge well her trust, and in none more so, than in that of preserving "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." In all her family arrangements, she took care to be on her guard against what was likely to prove an occasion of contention. She studied the temper and character of all her circle, and as far as possible, provided against what might give rise to unpleasant collisions. If one had an innocent preference, she would endeayour to gratify it, and induce others to do the same. If one had a weak point, such as forgetting something that ought to be done, my aunt would remind her of it, not merely that the duty itself might not be neglected, but that the temper of others might not be irritated by the neglect. She used to say, that was a beautiful text to be remembered by every one in their religious as well as in their social relations, "Consider one another, to provoke unto love and to good works," Heb. x. 24. My aunt had trials of temper, arising from the temper of others. I have often been surprized to see how well she managed to keep her ground. My uncle was kind hearted and affectionate, but apt to be impetuous in his temper. My aunt was careful to anticipate his wishes, and to turn aside any thing that was likely to irritate him: and if at any time she perceived that he was in a hasty mood, she made a point of waiting on him herself, and keeping the children and servants out of the way. If he expressed himself sharply to her, she generally heard him in silence; or if she replied at all, it was with gentle and conciliatory words. He was generally as quick in repenting a hasty speech, as in uttering it, and remarkably frank in confessing himself wrong; and often, when acknowledging his own temper flaws, would he stroke her placid brow, and repeat, "A meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price,' 1 Pet. iii. 4. Under the influence of Divine grace, his temper was much subdued and softened; and I have no doubt the influence of his wife was highly beneficial. Then there was a servant, a particularly valuable servant, in point of fidelity, industry, cleanliness, and care; so valuable, that while she lived in the family, her wages were more than doubled, independent of the many presents she received; and even then, my aunt reckoned her the cheapest servant she ever had in the house. The only drawback was her temper. Oh, such a temper! I remember seeing, in a stationer's shop, the picture of the great Mogul, on the wrapper of a pack of cards; the expression of his countenance was exactly like that of hers; so ferocious, so passionate, so sullen. She seemed as though possessed with an evil spirit. When her fits came over her and they would frequently last a whole day-nothing could induce her to work, or in any way promote the comfort of the family; nor would she listen to any reason or remonstrance. But when the fit went off, she would weep bitterly, and entreat to be forgiven; and then, in the course of an hour, she would set to rights all that had been disarranged or neglected, in consequence of her temper, and go on well for weeks. This poor girl had never before been able to stay six months in a place; but somehow or other my aunt managed to get along with her for nearly nine years; and had reason to hope, that the efforts made for her good were not made in vain. Poor thing! until she came to my aunt she had been in a state of deplorable ignorance, and she often expressed herself very oddly. Once, when she was deeply concerned about her state, and the pardoning mercy of God in Jesus Christ was set before her, she seemed to think it too good to be true. At length, however, she seemed, in some degree, to receive the free grace of the gospel. "And yet," said she, "If God should be so great in mercy as to forgive such a wicked girl as I am, what could he do with me at last? He would never put me in the same heaven with people that can rule their tempers." She was directed to seek the sanctifying influences of the Holy Spirit, as well as to rely on the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. Her mistaken view may convey a hint to some professors of religion. How would their tempers harmonize with a heaven of peace and love? And if they are altogether at variance with the spirit of the heavenly world, how can they, in sincerity, give thanks to the Father, who hath made them "meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light?" Col. i. 12. C. ARTESIAN WELLS. In the cup-like form of the chalk surrounding the metropolis, originates the principle of Artesian wells, so called from their having been first introduced at Artois in France. The superincumbent clay being nearly impervious to water, prevents the access of that fluid to the chalk, excepting where its surface is exposed; and this being only at points of considerable elevation, the water so imbibed is pent up beneath the clay; and impatient to find its level, rushes up with considerable violence when the clay is bored through. Of this we have an instance at Marlborough-house, Peckham. The boring runs one hundred and twentythree feet into the chalk, or two hundred and twenty-three feet below the surface; and yet the water rises to within twelve feet of the top, and has never, with three pumps at work, been reduced more than twenty-one inches. The formation of two public companies, the Artesian Spring Water Company, and the Eastern Arte sian Water Company, has been proposed within the last few years. The prospectus of the first of these states, that there are, in London and its neighbourhood, one hundred and seventy-four wells upon this principle; that of the latter, mentions one hundred and seventy-seven, on the premises of the great brewers, dyers, sugar refiners, vinegar, colour, and gas manufacturers, printers, and sawyers, as well as in the Zoological Gardens, and other places.-Allport's History of Camberwell. THE CRUSADES.-No. I. Nor can imagination quit the shores Given to the dream-like issues; the romance It is a dark picture which history presents to our view, in the age of the crusades. Asia groaned beneath the scourge of infidelity, and Europe was involved in the darkness of superstition. It was these two evil principles, that gave rise to the religious wars thus designated. They loosened all Europe from its foundations, and precipitated it upon Asia. Palestine had been one of the earliest conquests of the disciples of Mohammed. The armies of the caliphs, which wrested from Persia the dominion of the surrounding nations, and conquered in succession the provinces of Arabia, Syria, and Egypt, at length planted the crescent on the walls of Jerusalem. The victories of Omar, A.D. 636, decided the fate of the city, so celebrated in the Hebrew Scriptures, and laid the foundations of a mosque on the sacred hill, where once the temple of Solomon had stood, in all its imposing majesty. This conqueror was assassinated at Jerusalem in 643; after which, the establishment of several Caliphates in Arabia and Syria, the fall of the Ommiades, and the elevation of the Abassides, involved the country in trouble for more than two hundred years. Achmet, a Turk, who had raised himself to the throne of the ancient Pharaohs, seized the metropolis of Palestine, A.D. 868, but his son having been defeated by the caliphs of Bagdad in 905, the holy city again returned under their dominion. About thirty years after, Mohammed Ikschid, another Turk, having in his turn usurped the throne of Egypt, carried his |