Page images
PDF
EPUB

consideration quicken us in our great, our pleasant duty! And now, sir, tell me what are your present expectations as to Canada?'

'Very meagre indeed, niece: I know not what view to take of the recent movement on the part of the governor-general. With regard to the man himself, there are points in his character that might, with the zealous co-operation of the loyal colonists, lead to an advantageous result, if he remained among them: but who could look for aught save disaster and disgrace, in contemplating the flagrant insult put upon the Lord, the cruel wrong done to the souls of a whole ship's company, and passengers, at his embarkation; when the chaplain was deliberately turned out, on the plea of not having room, and a host of needless attendants admitted? Who could expect the divine blessing on counsels which the most exceptionable individuals-men publicly disgraced for their outrages against morality, were selected to administer? The whole business was characterized by any thing rather than a regard for the honour of the country, or security of her possessions; the glory of God is now, alas! never even ostensibly recognized in any national arrangement.'

Then none of our national arrangements can prosper; therefore I will ask no more on this head, at present. Everything tends to depress me with forebodings as to the downward course we are pursuing.'

'But there is one remarkable feature, niece, that you must not overlook. Have you not noticed an extraordinary change in the tone of many worldly publications on the subject of Popery? Until very lately it was the fashion to avoid all reference to religious difference, and the papacy was spoken of with won

Above all

derful decorum, not to say tenderness. things, the faintest hint at a repeal of the atrocious bill,' as it was rightly termed, excited a perfect shout of indignant astonishment from journals that professed to be very staunch in the Protestant cause. Now, such a broadside has been poured into the enemy by no less worldly, or less able a periodical than Blackwood's Magazine, as surpasses my most sanguine hopes: while the daily press takes it up, dispersing far and wide the stubborn facts contained in it. Here it is, in the form of a cheap tract, entitled the Progress of Popery,' published by our valuable 'Protestant Association,' and I scruple not to say that every man, and every woman too in the empire who can read, is under an obligation to read this.'

'I have read it, uncle, and trembled while I rejoiced. The exposure is appalling: but the conclusion to which the writer arrives is one that it gladdens my heart to see so ably deduced: so incontrovertibly proved. I consider this tract-for you would not easily catch me without a copy or two in my pocket, as a master-piece: it kindles me whenever I look into it-I bless God for restored power to wield even my feeble pen in the same glorious cause-for eyesight preserved from imminent peril, I bless Him; fervently imploring Him to consecrate every faculty of mind, every bodily organ to His service in this field, under the accustomed banner of Nulla pax cum Româ.

[ocr errors]

This tract,' rejoined my uncle, grasping a copy in his hand, is to me both a trumpet note and a weapon. I read it, and long to be actively employed in the ⚫cause I give it to another man, and feel that in so

doing I fulfil the longing of my spirit. Scatter your

copies widely, and may our God open the mental eyes of all who shall peruse their pages!'

'Amen! Our duty, as you say, is plain: consequences rest with the Lord alone. Unless the Protestantism of the land is roused, we are lost: means are given us to promote that rousing, and we are accountable for their use, though not for their suc

cess.

Onward then be it your resolve and mine, and that of each one who loves the truth, to do what we can, to pray over what we do, and to await in humble confidence, the fulfilment of that encouraging word: "Forasmuch as ye know that your labour shall not be in vain in the Lord."'

[merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small]

THE

CHRISTIAN LADY'S MAGAZINE.

DECEMBER, 1838.

BY-GONE DAYS.

THE singular events recently combining to direct the public eye towards North America, have assisted to retouch so many fading pictures of the past, that the choice of objects becomes rather perplexing; more particularly where there is little of a spiritual nature to bring forward. In truth, my desire is rather to excite an interest for the inhabitants of that distant region in the breasts of those who are accustomed to make known their requests unto God in prayer for such as engage their attention, than to gratify them with tales of the past. My last paper spoke of Annapolis, up to the period of my leaving it and it becomes a question whether to proceed in sketching other scenes as they passed before me, or to devote a few pages to the first settlement of our countrymen on that spot. The latter will more effectually assist my ultimate purpose: and if to any reader the detail

[blocks in formation]

should appear dull, I can only repeat, that we have a duty to perform, even while seeking temporary amusement; and that future sketches of scenery and inhabitants may not prove the less acceptable for having been prefaced by some historical information. The North American continent had been discovered by Cabot, who, endeavouring to find a western passage to India, was surprised, on the 24th of June, 1497, by the sight of land. The point first descried, and thence named Prima Vista, is asserted by Galvanus to have been in latitude 45: if this be correct, Nova Scotia was the place; and the voyagers, coasting to the northward, must have entered the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and visited Newfoundland. The reign of Henry VII., however, was unpropitious for such costly enterprizes; and the matter slumbered while Henry VIII. pursued his turbulent course; while Edward VI. laboured to make his kingdom the kingdom of our God and of his Christ; and while ferocious Mary struggled to crush it deeper and more hopelessly than ever beneath the blood-stained hoof of Popery. These all passed from the scene: Elizabeth ascended the throne: before the rising sun of Protestantism every lingering cloud began to melt away, and beneath its gladdening beams the national character arose in all its strength, and energy, and enterprise, looking out into every quarter of the globe for openings to improve the commerce and extend the sway of England.

It was in 1579 that the truly British queen granted a patent to Sir Humphrey Gilbert, for discovering, occupying, and peopling remote lands, not yet possessed by any Christian race; and in June, 1583, he sailed from Plymouth westward, made the harbour

« PreviousContinue »