sacred pictures, amulets, and books. | to procure his help in attaining a particular object, a conference takes place in un verde prato ;* he solicits her to divest herself of this protecting and terrific charm; but while she vainly endeavours to take it off, the Virgin appears, and rebukes the audacious dæmon, and As an advocate for liberty of conscience, and the free promulgation of opinions, I certainly would recommend no interference with them, but only fair and open lists for truth and error; and where this principle is acted upon, neither church nor state is answerable for such extraEmpio, disse, che pensi tu di fare! vagances, supposing they should Sai che chi porta quest' abito in petto, then survive: but the church of Come divoto mio dei rispettare, Rome can use no such plea. She Cosi comanda il mio figliuol' diletto.'t gives no freedom to those who He is thus driven off the field; the would combat the delusions that she lady receives penitently a serious may yet perhaps disavow. And not admonition from her patroness; reonly have these grown out of her own sorts to a father confessor; doctrines or traditions, but her very finally places her gold, her silver, toleration or connivance always im- and herself in a convent. It is then plies protection and encouragement; strongly inferred and inculeated, as for a vender and puffer of heretical or a moral from her instructive history, schismatical articles would undoubt that whoever wears quest' abito santo, edly be silenced and punished. (this holy dress or picture,) cannot These men, therefore, retail their perish, (non potrà perire.) Will you wares and their fables at least under consider this detail as trifling? I the tacit sanction of the priesthood. think not, when you reflect on my During half an hour's harangue from previous remarks, and the influence one of them, I watched the counto be expected upon the faith and tenances of the attentive groupe, morals of the populace from having but could observe scarcely a smile such absurd fictions connected with or look that indicated doubt or dis- religion, and offered as a sort of trust. He shewed a set of large pic-shield or safeguard for vice. I was tures, illustrating the miracle of which he spoke, and offered small figures of the Virgin on pasteboard, attached to a cord of worsted, to be worn round the neck. These, with much warmth and volubility, and many reiterations, he assured us it was the bounden duty of all good Christians to purchase, as highly conducive to their welfare and even salvation. I could not neglect what was proved to be so valuable, and therefore bought for a soldo one of the small figures described, with an explanatory poem at the same mo dest price. This tale, entitled * 'Miracolo bellissimo fatto dalla ssma. Vergine del Carmine ad una cortigiana,' relates the inestimable effects of the 'abito,' or consecrated picture, (so called, I apprehend, because supposed to have touched the habit or dress of the Virgin, as worn round the neck of its dissolute heroine. Having made herself over without reserve to the devil, in order "A very fine miracle performed by the most holy Virgin del Carmine, for a courtezan." expecting that at least great part of the audience, which was of both sexes, and of different orders of people, would treat it as a mere burlesque; they gave, however, on the contrary, very serious attention till the close, and the orator had then a number of customers for his little pictures, unquestionably on account of the miraculous virtue ascribed to them, since they were so utterly mean and paltry, that they would scarcely attract the notice of an infant. Yet, not ten yards from this spot, just within the north-west door of the cathedral, I observed other ecclesiastical articles on sale, which I thought, if recommended with any thing like the same eloquence, would have ruined the panegyrist of Nostra Signora del Carmine; for the promise attached to these came pro *"In a green meadow." "Impious one! she said, what dost thou think of doing? Thou knowest that whoever wears this abito' in the bosom, must be respected by thee as devoted to myself; so my beloved son commands," | years of ecclesiastical_penance.† Even if so interpreted, I can conceive it to hold out no other doctrine than this, that a mere arbitrary and local ceremony, superadded to penitence, confession, and prayer, which might all take place without it, is so important as to be fitly accepted in lieu of the severest penitential discipline of the church; and, moreover, that the act thus important to the transgressor, may be performed by deputy or proxy. We have here, therefore, a standing and authorised document, of the fullest publicity, which, as far as I can attach any meaning to it, tends directly to pervert the consciences and understandings of the people." fessedly from the Vatican itself. Ac-gence thus offered are, I apprehend, cordingly, as such benefits are not popularly understood to mean a here within our reach, I did not fail hundred years remission of punishto secure one for cinque centesimi,ment after death in purgatory; for without any rhetoric from the seller. the indulgences sold in the 16th It is a portrait of our Saviour, having century often extended to its total beneath it a form of devotion or self- remission; * perhaps, however, it consecration to him, comprised in would be now explained by intellithree lines, which in itself is unob- gent and moderate Catholics, to sigjectionable, but has a manifesto pre-nify only the remission of a hundred fixed to it as follows: La Santità di Pio VII. concede in perpetuo una volta il mese indulg. plenaria a chi reciterà ogni giorno la seguente offerta.* I am not sufficiently skilled in the valuation of indulgences to calculate the amount of advantage here promised, but you will observe the bargain is not clogged with any | the least requirement of mental devotion and sincerity in the reciters of the form; and this, whether it were conformable to the papal ordinances or not, you will remember was sold within the walls of the metropolitan church. But let us advance near the altar, and we shall find the same doctrine more fully and authoritatively illustrated. Beneath each of the two pulpits in front of the choir, is the following, POPISH CREDULITY. in large painted letters: Tutti i fedeli veramente pentiti e confes-the Virgin and Child; of which it is re"In a church at Lucca is the image of sati ogni volta che visiterano il ssmo. sacramento riposto nel tabernacolo della metropolitana, recitando divotamente un paternoster, &c. ed Ave Maria, &c. conseguirano 100 anni d'indulgenza e 100 quaranteni. I vecchi, gl'infermi e le persone lecitimamente impedite non potendo personalte. visitarlo facendolo visitare da altri conseguirano la stesa indulgenza in perpetuo; come da lette. della Santità di NS. Pio P.P. IV. de' 24 Maggio 1561 e 12 Febo. 1562.'* The hundred years of indul 6 "His Holiness, Pius VII. grants in perpetuity once a month, plenary indulgence to whoever shall recite every day the following offering." lated, that an infidel threw a stone at the infant, but the Virgin to save him from the blow, shifted him from one arm to the other, while the reprobate was swallowed up, and the hole is shown just be fore the altar of the image, enclosed by a grate the Virgin received the blow on her shoulder, whence the blood issued, which is preserved in a bottle, and shown with the greatest ceremony by the priest in his vestments, with tapers lighted, while all embrace the sacred relic on their knees." Vide Wright's Travels at Lucca. sited by others, shall obtain the same indulgence in perpetuity; as by the letters of his Holiness, our Lord Pope Pius IV. of the 24th May 1561 and 12th February 1562." "See the form used by Tetzel the Dominican monk, in Seckendorf's Comment. lib. i. p. 14, as quoted in Robertson's Charles V. book ii. vol. ii. p. 117." "All the faithful truly repenting and confessing every time that they shall visit the most holy sacrament deposited in the tabernacle of the metropolitan church, reciting devoutly a paternoster, &c. and Ave Maria, &c. shall obtain 100 years of indulgence, and 100 lents. The aged, the infirm, and persons who are lawfully hindered, not being able to visit it personally, causing it to be vi-transl." +"For an account of the imposition of these penances, and first rise of the sale of indulgences, see Gibbon's Decline and Fall, vol. vi. p. 12. 4to. edit. and Mosh. Eccl. Hist. vol. iii. p. 83. Mach. Obituary. MRS. PRUDENCE BELL. was reduced to a shadow, her better part was ripening fast for glory. tered themselves with hopes of her recovery, but these did not long continue; for a very short time had DIED, January 6, 1818, in the elapsed ere they saw they were all thirty-sixth year of her age, Mrs. | vain, and every prospect of relief Prudence Bell, of Kirton Fen, near was gone. It was wonderful to Boston, in the county of Lincoln. witness the divine consolation and She was born January 16, 1782, and support with which she was favourwas married to Mr. Thomas Bell, of ed, during her almost unparalleled Algarkirk Fen, in May, 1800; with sufferings. Her patience and resigwhom she shared the most consum- nation induced several of her visitmate sweets of domestic harmony ants to think her afflictions less than and concord to the day of her death. they really were, and she has someThey were both united to the Parti- times joined the family in singing a cular Baptist Church at Boston, in hymn, when she was so weak that the year 1806; then under the pas- her death was expected daily. Her toral care of the Rev. John Stevens, heavenly Father had other views now of York-street chapel, West- respecting her-he thought proper minster. About four years since for her to remain on earth some time she received some injury in the longer; making it evident, that spine, by an over-lift, which laid the while, by a continued course of bofoundation for an abscess, and ulti-dily affliction, her outward frame mately terminated in her death. She was the subject of serious impressions at an early age, and enjoyed the advantages of a religious education. Her pockets were frequently furnished with hymn and other books, as suited her inclination, which she used to read till overwhelmed in tears: this was a general practice with her when walking in the pastures, or retired in the chamber. But a greater anxiety and concern for the salvation of her soul was manifested under the ministry of the Rev. Mr. Trotman, then of Boston, in the year 1799. Being naturally of a lively and cheerful disposition, she attained, by a continued attendance on the means of grace, a good degree of confidence in the promises of God; building her hope and dependance on the blood and righteousness of a crucified Redeemer: this hope became the anchor of her soul, when storms of affliction arose and beat in upon her. In February, 1817, her complaint had gained ground so much, that she was obliged to be confined to her bed; there were intervals, however, in which those around her flatVOL. X. | "Oh She remained much in the same state till Friday morning, January 2, 1818, when she was taken worse: and before the next day, had nearly lost the faculties of speech, memory, and understanding. On the 4th, she had them again restored; her speech returned, and she gave a pleasing testimony of the composed tranquillity, and peaceful state of her mind. About this time her father was called up; as soon as she saw him, she gazed with a smile of exultation, and exclaimed, father, my dear father, I am going home! I am going home!" He replied, The Lord bless and support you, my dear. Oh," said she, "he docs support me, he does bless me. Glory to his dear name; what have I to adore and thank him for! he does all things right, he does all things right, he has done all things well!" Observing the attention which was paid her, she remarked, "This poor worthless frame is undeserving all this attendance: but, (as if suddenly recollecting herself,) I should not say so, for our bodies are the temples of the Holy Ghost." P REV. W. BRADLEY. These words she expressed in a very animated strain. To her youngest brother she said, "O do, my dear boy, remember the things 1818, at Oddington, near Stow-onDIED, on Monday, January 26, which belong to your everlasting the-Wold, Gloucestershire, the Rev. peace; attend to the ministry of the W. Bradley, pastor of the Baptist gospel, and do not neglect the salva-churches at Naunton and Stow in of the same county (formerly of Hackwhich was of a pulmonary kind, ney, near London). His disorder, appeared to have proceeded from excessive fatigue and frequent excharge of his ministerial duties, and posure to the weather, in the disother exertions he felt it necessary to make for the support of a numerous family. During his last illness he was enabled to exercise an humble submission to the sovereign disposal of Providence, and also was favoured with the enjoyment of much internal tranquillity, although he had been previously the subject of great mental anxiety, arising from embarrassed circumstances. tion of your precious soul; remember the counsel of a dying sister, follow the ways of God; let my death convince you that they are ways pleasantness, and paths of peace." Her surgeon calling in, and asking how she felt herself? she replied, "Oh, Mr. M- I am very low, I am getting through fast; blessed be the name of the Lord, I trust I am safe, and that is a comfort to me. I thank God I have strength to bear my troubles; I find it equal to my day, I dread being impatient. So many mercies as I have been the subject of, ought I not to be content, seeing they are all free gifts? It has been a long storm; bless the Lord, O my soul! while I am going His talents were of a superior order; through the valley of the shadow of his sermons evinced sound judgdeath, I fear no evil, for God is with ment, extensive information, and me, and I know he will never leave vigorous intellect; they were also me, nor forsake me. I will yet enriched with the truth as it is in praise him, however adverse the dis- Jesus, the holy and practical inpensations of his providence may fluence of which on the hearts and appear, he has promised that all lives of all true believers he never things shall work together for good. failed to assert, illustrate, and enI must bear it; it is nothing to what force. On his death bed he said to I deserve, and I have no more to come! I shall have it all here! not been suffered to entertain a sina brother who visited him, "I have Surely this is the last struggle!gle doubt either of the reality of the Dear Lord, cut the thread, but the cup which my heavenly Father hath mingled, shall I not drink it?" On Monday, January 5, she became quite lethargic, spoke very little, and, unless the returns of pain prevented, was mostly asleep: she lingered through the night till Tuesday morning about six o'clock, when she quitted the frail abode of mortality, and entered into the joy of the Lord. Her remains were interred in the Dissenters' burying-ground, in Boston, January 9, amidst the tears of many of her friends and acquaintances. On Saturday, the 18th, a funeral discourse was preached on the occasion, by her pastor, the Rev. Thomas Thonger, to a numerous auditory, from a passage which she had selected some time before, viz. Psalm xxxiv, 17, 18, 19. truths of the gospel, or of my interpeculiar consolation now to reflect, est in its blessings; and it is my that conscious as I am of numerous imperfections having attended my ministry, I have never trifled with sinners in the discharge of it. know whom I have believed, and keep that which I have committed am persuaded that he is able to unto him against that day.'" 'I His remains were interred at Stow, send a Memoir of the deceased. This worthy brother (adds our correspondent) has left a widow and ten children, the former with five of the children entirely unprovided for. Mr. Bradley's talents and usefulness as a minister-his afflictions and difficulties in private life, are of course best known in the immediate circle in which he moved; but it is trusted, that the above simple statement will universally excite so lively an interest in the hearts of those who love the cause he loved and served, as to secure a liberal contribution for the support of his destitute family. 66 charms of earth were disregarded, retirement and prayer were eagerly sought after, the terrors of the Lord made her afraid, a deep sight and sense of her condition as a guilty sinner filled her soul with agony, and her chief inquiry now was— · What shall I do to be saved?" About this period she paid a visit to some friends at Bristol; while there, the Lord directed her to the ministry of the Rev. T. Biddulph: under his ministrations, together with the communion of the children The smallest donations will be of God which she sometimes enthankfully received by Mr. W. Gill-joyed there, the Lord the Spirit faman, at Messrs. Ladbroke and Co. voured her with that " Bankers, Bank-buildings; the Rev. Dr. Rippon, Grange-road, Bermondsey; the Rev. W. Button, 24, Paternoster-row; the Rev. J. Ivimey, 20, Harpur-street, London; the Rev. J. Hinton, Oxford; and the Rev. T. Coles, Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire. MRS. COULTART. peace that passeth all understanding," which was introduced into her soul by the blood of sprinkling. She now no longer groaned under the bondage of sin, but experienced the glorious liberty of the children of God. Returning again to her earthly home, and having herself tasted that the Lord is gracious, her attention was directed towards, and her fervent prayers ascended to, the divine IT pleased the great Head of the throne, in behalf of those around church about the year 1809 to draw her who were ignorant of that Sathe affections of this late excel- viour which she so ardently loved. lent female missionary, whose death Often has the writer of this paper we recorded in our Number for (from the endeared connection that February, (p. 65.) from the delusive subsisted between them) witnessed pleasures of a dying world, and to her sighs, her tears, and the fervent fix them on himself. Placed in cir- wrestlings of her active spirit in becumstances by no means advan-half of those who were dear to her tageous for the introduction of ge- by earthly ties. Secluded from the nuine piety, or for the increase of world, her companions were the exvital godliness, she found herself, cellent of the earth: with that deciwhile engaged in the giddy vortex sion of character which ought ever of earthly pleasure, and in the con- to be conspicuous in the real Chriscerns of time, seriously concerned tian, she went forward, and with and alarmed for the welfare of her steady step trod the vale of tribulaimmortal soul. Without the use of tion through which she was called external means, did the divine Spi- to pass. With a mind possessed of the most tender sensibilities of hurit of God graciously operate upon her mind; she sought for happiness man nature, and feelingly alive to in vain in the pleasures which the the woes of her fellow creatures, world exhibited to her view; her while she laboured, and not without a blessed effect, in the sphere in soul confessed a dissatisfaction in the midst of all, while her ardent which she then moved, her thoughts, spirit sighed for that peace which and the subjects of her prayers, exearth had not to bestow. Entirely tended beyond her native land, even unacquainted with the children of to those "dark places of the earth God, and having attended only that are full of the habitations of preaching of a moral strain, she had cruelty ;" and while every way aprecourse to the volume of inspira-peared closed so as to exclude her tion: there, while she read, her ter- hopes with respect to her entering rors and her fears increased, the upon the sacred work of a mission |