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land. The day following, Mr. Wesley arrived in Newcastle, and, on his return from that neighbourhood, preached again at Osmotherly. "Finding," says he, "that Mr. D., as I expected, had been vehemently attacked by the neighbouring Clergy and gentry, that he might be exposed to no further difficulty on my account, I did not claim his promise, but preached on a tombstone near the church, on, 'The Lord is risen indeed.' How wisely does God order all things! Some will not hear even the word of God out of a church for the sake of these we are often permitted to preach in a church. Others will not hear it in a church: for their sakes we are often compelled to preach in the highways." Here Mr. Wesley was met by John Nelson, who, with the spirit of a martyr, had narrowly escaped death at Acomb, near York; fiends in human shape, after having repeatedly knocked him down, dragging him by the hair of the head; some kicking him on his thighs and sides as they tore him along, and others trampling on his body, to tread, as they said, the Holy Spirit out of him! The word preached on the tombstone at Osmotherly was to this persecuted man a word in season. It came, says he, "with power to my soul, and constrained me to cry out, O Lord, I will praise thee for thy goodness to me; for thou hast been with me in all my trials; thou hast brought me out of the jaws of death; and though thou didst permit men to ride over my head, and didst lay affliction on my loins, yet thou hast brought me through fire and water into a wealthy place.' Who can but admire the spirit of religious heroism, and of true submission to the will of God, thus strikingly displayed?

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It is perhaps impossible to determine the exact period when the first Methodist society in Osmotherly was formed; yet, from the evidence of an old society's book, it is certain that so early as the year 1750, there were two, if not three, classes in existence there; so that, if not during Mr. Wesley's first visit, yet very shortly after, its organization must have taken place. The following extract from the above-named record presents this little flock as by no means inattentive to the financial discipline of the Connexion. The statement gives the receipts of the first three months of the year 1751. "Small and feeble," it is true, "was the day," yet right in its beginning:

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The disbursements embrace the expenses incurred in the entertainment of the Preachers who visited the locality, and in meeting some of their occasional necessities. Entries of this kind, for instance, are constantly met with :-" Nov. 29th, 1750. Laid out for Mr. Thomas Mitchell, 1s. 2d.:” "1751. Jan. 18th. Laid out for John Nelson, and his horse shoeing, 1s. 4d. :" "1752. April 28th. Laid out for Mr. John Wesley, wife, daughters, William Shent, and John Haime, 5s. 2d.:" "July 19th. For William Grimshaw and William Darney, 1s. 3d." The largest sum which, during this period, the Steward had in hand, was seventeen shillings; whilst, in July, 1757, the record is found, "In debt, 4s. 10d."

In 1752, Mr. Wesley, visiting Osmotherly, records a singular incident. "I was desired," says he, "to visit a person who had been an eminent scoffer at all religion; but was now, they said, 'in a strange way.' I found her in a strange way indeed; either raving mad, or possessed of the devil. The woman herself affirmed, that the devil had appeared to her the day before; and, after talking some time, leaped upon and grievously tormented her ever since. We prayed with her. Her agonies ceased. She fell asleep, and awaked in the morning calm and easy." Of cases such as this, differing opinions may indeed be formed; yet, in the answer thus vouchsafed to earnest prayer, every devout mind will gratefully recognise the mercy and the power of God.

Mr. Wesley's

About the year 1754 attempts were made to erect a small Wesleyan "preaching-house" in the village. Serious difficulties were, however, presented. From want of funds, the society were for some time exposed to the taunt, “These men began to build, and are not able to finish." Jealous for the honour of religion, James Hunton, Hannah Snowden, and another, resolutely determined to have the work completed. Personally they did what they could; and prevailed on others to assist them. Some brought stones; others mixed mortar; some handled the trowel; till, by dint of united, persevering effort, the little sanctuary was raised. It continued open to the roof, and floored with mud, until the year 1805 or 1806, when the roof was ceiled, a boarded floor laid down, and the comfort of the worshippers greatly promoted. In 1824, the chapel was enlarged to its present size, and opened by the Rev. John Sedgwick. next visit to Osmotherly took place in June, 1755, a short time after the singular phænomenon had been witnessed near Black-Hamilton, a ridge of mountains in the immediate neighbourhood, where, in the midst of loud, unearthly noises, and successive earthquakes, large piles of rock were riven from their native bed, and thrown into the valley below; whilst, in other parts of that locality, large stones or rocks of some tons' weight each, rose out of the ground. Others were thrown on one side, others turned upside down, and many rolled over and over. Mr. Wesley, having preached at Osmotherly, where God "renewed his strength and comforted his heart," proceeds attentively to view the desolation thus produced; and, on inquiry as to the cause, answers, "What indeed, but God, who arose to shake terribly the earth; who purposely chose such a place, where there is so great a concourse of nobility and gentry every year; and wrought in such a manner, that many might see it and fear; that all who travel one of the most frequented roads in England might see it, almost whether they would or no, for many miles together? It must likewise for many years, maugre all the art of man, be a visible monument of His power; all that ground being now so encumbered with rocks and stones, that it cannot be either ploughed or grazed. Nor will it serve any use, but to tell all that see it, Who can stand before this great God?”

Mr. Wesley's last visit to Osmotherly took place in the year 1784, and is thus noticed in his Journal :-" Tuesday, June 15th. I preached once more to my old friends at Osmotherly." Several other visits are, during the interim, placed on record; in two of which, he refers to his faithful friend Mr. Adams, though under the name Watson, in terms which indicate that the friendship subsisting between them was not only lasting, but intimate. "Wednesday, June 19th, 1776, I preached to my old loving congregation at Osmotherly, and visited once more poor Mr. Watson, just quivering over the grave." "Thursday, May 8th, 1777. About eleven I preached at

Osmotherly. I found my old friend Mr. Watson, who first brought me into this country, was just dead, after living a recluse life near fifty years. From one that attended him, I learned that the sting of death was gone, and he calmly delivered up his soul to God." It is somewhat singular, that, although Mr. Wesley was frequently in the immediate neighbourhood, yet, after Mr. Adams's death, only one other visit to Osmotherly is recorded. The peculiar circumstances which marked the movements of this good man seem to have interested Mr. Wesley greatly in his case.

In the record of those who occasionally visited this favoured village, are found the names of Whitefield, Romaine, Grimshaw, Nelson, Pawson, Hopper, with David Simpson, who was born in the vicinity, and many others, who, having "turned many to righteousness, shine as the stars for ever and ever." It is, too, a pleasing circumstance, that the inhabitants generally seem to have valued highly the character and labours of these honoured men. Only one instance to the contrary is on record, in which William Darney, after preaching in the village, was seized by a mob, who, in their wanton mischief, proceeded to daub him with tar, and ornament him with feathers. It does not, however, appear that he suffered any bodily injury.

In the year 1818, a Wesleyan Sabbath-school was instituted in the village of Osmotherly; and in 1826, a Branch Wesleyan Missionary Society.

Till 1835, little beyond the ordinary routine of church affairs was witnessed; when an unusual effusion of the Holy Spirit was graciously vouchsafed. Within a very short period, upwards of fifty individuals, many of whom were young persons, found peace with God. Some of the fruits of this gracious visitation still remain. With reference to this little hill of Zion, "the Lord shall count when he writeth up the people,” that many were "born there." COLUMBA P.

A SCENE OF THE FRENCH REVOLUTION, 1793.

THE 31st of July, 1793, was a dark and fatal day for the abbey of St. Denis. The infamous Barrere moved in the National Convention, and that body promptly decreed, that the tombs of the Kings of France, in the church of St. Denis, as well as in any other church or place in the republic, should be destroyed. On Saturday, Oct. 12th, 1793, the heathenish work commenced, and the first grave violated was that of Marshal Turenne. Henry IV. was next exhumed. The body, though buried more than one hundred years, had not even changed in the look of the features. A soldier, when the coffin was opened, threw himself upon the corpse, and, after a long silence, drew his sword and cut off a lock of the beard of the old Monarch, saying, "I am also a French soldier: henceforth I will have no other mustachios. Now I am sure," said he, as he placed the beard upon his upper lip, "to conquer the enemies of France, and I march to victory." The body was exhibited until Oct. 14th, when it was thrown into the trench prepared for all the royal remains. On the 14th of October, Louis XIII., Louis XIV., Marie de Medicis, second wife of Henry IV., Anne of Austria, consort of Louis XIII., Maria Theresa of Spain, consort of Louis XIV., and Louis the Dauphin, his son, were dragged from the tomb by these hyenas. The body of Louis XIII., who died in 1643, and that of Louis XIV., who died in 1715, were in good preservation. The next day the resurrectionists pillaged the graves of Marie of Poland, wife of Louis

XV., and those of about twenty other royal Princes and Princesses. In some cases the hearts had been separately interred in boxes of silver or silver gilt. These boxes, together with the crowns, sceptres, &c., found in the graves, were deposited at the municipality, and the lead of the coffins delivered to a government commissioner, called Commissaire aux Accapa

ramens.

On the 16th the desecrators broke open the graves of Henrietta of France, widow of Charles I., of England; Henrietta Stuart, daughter of Charles I., and wife of Monsieur, brother of Louis XIV.; Philippe of Orleans, husband of the last-named; Philippe of Orleans, Regent of the kingdom during the minority of Louis XV.; and those of some fourteen other royal personages. The same day Louis XV. was dragged from his sleeping-place. He had died nineteen years previously, but the body had scarcely undergone any change. The coffins of Charles V., who died in 1380, and of Jeanne de Bourbon, his Queen, were also broken open, as were those of three children of the royal stock. In the coffin of Charles were found a crown of silver gilt, a silver hand of justice, and a sceptre of silver gilt, five feet long, all retaining their brightness. His Queen's coffin contained part of a crown, a gold ring, a pair of sharp-toed shoes embroidered with gold and silver, a distaff of gilt wood, and fragments of bracelets or chains.

On the 17th the tomb of Charles VI. was violated. He died in 1422, and his Queen, Isabella of Bavaria, in 1435. Nothing was found in their coffins but dry bones. They had been visited by the thieves the preceding August. Next came the turn of Charles VII., who died 1461, and of Marie d'Anjou, his Queen, who followed him in 1463. Part of a crown, and a sceptre of silver gilt, were the only spoils. In the vault of Henry II., Marguerite, first wife of Henry IV., Francis II., who reigned a year and a half, and three or four Princes and Princesses of less note, were seized by the ruthless ruffians. The vault of Charles VIII. was broken open that night. He had died in 1498. His leaden coffin contained only dry bones.

On the 18th the sack of the tombs was renewed by breaking open that of Henry II., who died 1559, of Catherine de Medicis his wife, of Charles IX., who died 1574, and of Henry III., who was assassinated 1589. Three children of Henry II. were also exhumed. The vault of Louis XII. was next entered, and his bones, and those of Anne of Brittany, his Queen, were removed. In their leaden coffins were found two crowns of brass, gilt. The coffin of Jeanne of France, Queen of Navarre, who died in 1349, and of Louis X., or the coffin of le Hatin, her father, with a part of a sceptre and a crown of brass, much corroded, and of John I., his posthumous son, who lived only eight days, and of Hughes le Grand, Count of Paris, father of Hugh Capet, and who died 956, were found close together. Neither of the coffins contained anything but dust. In another place were found the ashes of Charles le Chauve, who died in 877. His ashes were in a leaden box, deposited in a coffin of stone.

On the 19th, the vault of Philippe Augustus was rifled. Nothing, however, was found in his stone coffin. Of the body of Louis VIII., father of St. Louis, who died 1226, three years after Philippe Augustus, some part remained. Part of a wooden sceptre and his crown, which was a coif of satin, with a band of gold cloth, were found in his coffin, and the winding-sheet of cloth of gold was still fresh. The whole body had been sown up in very thick leather, and was the only one that had been buried

at St. Denis in that manner. The coffin of St. Louis (Louis IX.) was found by the side of his father's; but the Catholics had carried off his bones years before, when he was canonized. The stone coffin of Philip le Bel, who died 1314, was next thrown up. The skeleton was entire. The coffin contained a gold ring, part of a diadem of cloth of gold, and a sceptre of brass five feet long, terminated by a tuft of foliage, on which sat a bird of its natural colours, and which appeared to be a goldfinch.

It was night, and the Vandals, by torchlight, broke open the patriarch tomb of the church, the tomb of Dagobert, who died in the year 638. He had rested there quietly for more than a thousand years, and it might have been supposed that for its very age this tomb might have escaped the rage of the destroyers. But there is nothing sacred to men who have no God. The statue on the tomb was broken, and the lid raised. Underneath was found a wooden chest containing the bones of Dagobert, and those of Nantilde, his Queen, who died in 642. The chest was divided by a partition in the middle, and the leaden plates on either side bore the following inscriptions. The one,

The other,—

Hic jacet corpus Dagoberti.

Hic jacet corpus Nanthildis.

The head of Nantilde was wanting.

On Sunday, Oct.

20th, the coffin of the Count of Nevers, son of St. Louis, was dug up. Next followed the leaden coffin of Bertrand Duguesclin, who died, 1380. The skeleton was entire, the head well preserved, and the bones dry and very white. The vault of Francis I. was found after a long search, and his remains, those of Louisa of Savoy, his mother, of Claude of France, his wife, and those of three of his children, were dragged out and cast with the rest into the trenches. The body of Francis I was of great height and strength : one of his thigh-bones, measured on the spot, was twenty inches long.

A few days after the workmen succeeded in discovering the coffin of Philippe de Valois, containing a crown and a sceptre. Near was the coffin of Jeanne of Burgoyne, his first wife, containing only a silver ring, a distaff, and a spindle.

Not far off, Charles le Bel was discovered. His coffin contained a crown of silver, gilt, a sceptre seven feet long of brass, gilt, a silver ring, part of a hand of justice, an ebony staff, and a pillow of lead, on which the head had rested. The coffin of Jeanne d'Evereux, his third wife, was near. It contained her bones only, with the exception of the skull.

Philippe le Long died in 1324, or four hundred and seventy-one years before. He was found, the skeleton entire, clad in royal robes. A crown of silver, gilt, was on his head. The mantle was fastened by a lozengeshaped clasp of gold, and a smaller one of silver. A sceptre of brass, gilt, and a girdle with a silver buckle were also found.

The last of the Kings exhumed was John II., who died in England. His coffin afforded the spoils of a crown, a sceptre, originally very long, but broken, a hand of justice, and the entire skeleton of the Monarch.

Thus, in thirteen days, nearly thirty Kings, with a much larger number of Queens and royal Princes, who, age after age, and one after another, for nearly fifteen centuries, had been gathered to this old resting-place of the mighty, were, by the hands of revolutionary fury and atheistic malevolence, dragged up from their graves, and carelessly cast into the common

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