brewing, baking, and other freaks (provisions) against Whitsuntide; upon which holydays the neighbours meet at the Churchhouse, and there merrily feed on their own victuals, contributing some petty portion to the stock, which by many smalls groweth to a meetly greatness; for there is entertained a kind of emulation between these wardens, who, by his graciousness in gathering, and good husbandry in expending, can best advance the Church's profit. Besides the neighbour parishes at those times lovingly visit each other, and this way frankly spend their money together. The afternoones are consumed in such exercises as olde and yong folke (having leisure) doe accustomably wear out the time withall. When the feast is ended, the wardens yeeld in their account to the parishioners, and such money as exceedeth the disbursement is layd up in store, to defray any extraordinary charges arising in the parish, or imposed on them for the good of the country, or the prince's service; neither of whom commonly gripe so much, but that somewhat still remaineth to cover the purse's bottom." Several other authors show the existence of the same custom in various parts. A belief also popularly prevailed that whatever any one asked at sunrise on Whit-Monday GOD would grant them. We may find some vestige of the old Whitsun-ale, in the universal practice of clubs and benefit societies walking in procession to Church, and then celebrating their festivities on Whit-Monday. TRINITY SUNDAY donation by Upon every Was formerly observed with great splendour and magnificence, the processions on this day being very long. The records of several old parishes contain accounts of items paid for garlands, ribbons, &c., and for singing men. In Curt's Miscellanies we have an interesting account of a mode adopted at Newnton in North Wiltshire to keep alive the memory of the King Athelstan of a common to that place. Trinity Sunday, being come to the door of the hayward's (keeper's) house, the door was struck thrice in honour of the Trinity; then they entered. The bell was rung; after which, silence being ordered, they read their prayers aforesaid. Then was a gherland of flowers (about the year 1660 one was killed striving to take away the gherland) made upon a hoop, brought forth by a maid of the town upon her neck; and a young man (a bachelor) of another parish first saluted her three times in honour of the Trinity in respect of GOD the FATHER. Then she puts the gherland upon her neck, and kisses him three times. Then he takes the gherland from her neck, and, by the custom, must give her a penny at the least, which, as fancy leads, is now exceeded as two-and-six pence, or &c. The method of giving this gherland is from house to house annually, till it comes round. In the evening every commoner sends his supper up to this house, which is called the Eale House; and having before laid in there equally a stock of malt which was brewed in the house, they sup together, and what was left was given to the poor." THE MARTYRS. COLD was the dungeon, on the green wet stone, On her pale face, she seemed from heaven just flown, The hours rolled on at length the soldiers bade His arms about his drooping child and said "E'en so come, LORD," and bowed him to the ground. C. T. Notices to Correspondents. We regret that want of space prevents our detailing the annual feast of the dedication of S. John the Baptist's Church, Harlow, which was kept up with all its usual vigour and heartiness. The addition of some splendid schools, lately built by the munificence of the Squire, gave the feast a very noble appearance. "A Mother" is too sensitive upon the point to which she refers, as she will find when the productions are brought to a close. T. G. H. should lay the case before his own Parish Priest, who, we doubt not, will give it his best attention. We have not received a universal commission to solve such doubts, although we are happy to do so, when no other advice can be had. W. M. will find from our preface what our opinion is upon the present crisis. There is no reason, we conceive, for the fears he entertains, and the course of conduct he seems prepared to adopt. What would be thought of a soldier, who should run away when the first sound of a cannon ball told that the battle had begun? It is, we do not hesitate to reiterate, the unquestioned duty of all Churchmen to quit them like men, and to be strong. We have right principles, and it only remains for us to show that we have faith in them. For we believe, as D. C. L. has expressed it in one of his noble letters, "that, when the trial comes, Parliament will fail, the populace will not stir a finger-wealthy and noble companions will prove wanting-all will fail but those who hold the continuity of the Universal Church, through good report and evil report, for better and for worse." " N. S. is quite right in the statement he makes with reference to the miserable state of Hymnology. The Ecclesiological Society is breaking up the ground, by providing suitable hymns and music. But what we want is an authorized book, and this can be got, if Churchmen will only show a moderate degree of energy, unity, and determination. Let them in this and all other matters remember how it is that even water wears away a stone. PRINTED BY JOSEPH MASTERS, ALDERSGATE STREET, LONDON. |