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Memoir of His late Majesty George IV.

diately afforded that necessary and grateful assistance to their beloved master; but while preparing to raise His Majesty, they instantly perceived that a material change had taken place in His Majesty's whole appearance, and they apprehended that the most fatal and immediate consequences would be the result. Sir Wathen Wallar was assured that His Majesty's last moments were rapidly approaching, and becoming exceedingly alarmed, he instantly summoned Sir Henry Halford, Sir Matthew Tierney, Sir William Knighton, and Mr. Brodie, into the chamber of their sovereign. They were in the apartment in a few minutes. The painful event that was about to happen was too apparent, and after languishing, without pain, for about ten minutes, nature being completely exhausted, His Majesty expired at a quarter past three o'clock, in the morning of Saturday, June 26th, 1830.

The Globe of Saturday evening says in a second edition :-In the higher circles it is stated that His Majesty retired to rest about his usual hour, eleven o'clock, and that he slept an hour and a half. At three o'clock in the morning His Majesty had occasion to rise, and we understand that the immediate cause of his death was the breaking of a blood-vessel near the heart. His Majesty is said immediately to have perceived the evacuation of blood; he then said, "This is death," and expressed a wish that Sir Henry Halford should be

sent for.

At about seven o'clock in the morning it was announced by Mr. O'Reilly to all the members of the household, that they were at liberty to enter the room, and view the body of their late royal master. About one hundred persons, half of whom were not of the establishment, entered the chamber at half-past seven o'clock, and were permitted to touch the right hand of His late Majesty, as he lay on the couch on which he died. The appearance of His Majesty's face was extremely placid, proving that his last moments were easy. It is utterly impossible to describe the scene of anguish that ensued. Many of these persons had lived with the King for more than a quarter of a century, and had been attached to him by the warmest ties of affectionate duty to them the King was thoroughly known; and it was observed, with great feeling, by one of the attendants, who has been close to His Majesty's person for twenty years, that those only who had had, like him, opportunities of studying the character of his beloved master, could appreciate it as it deserved.

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After this mournful ceremony,' orders were given to Mr. Tebbot to prepare a mahogany shell for the corpse. This gentleman, who was long a favourite of his late royal Master, for the rapidity with which he executed his orders, and the enthusiasm with which he entered into his plans, has since been busily engaged in performing that melancholy duty.

The shell is to be lined with white gros de Naples, and is to be stuffed with wool. It is understood that the arrangements which took place on the dissolution of George III. will form the precedent on the present occasion.

The melancholy intelligence was of course forwarded to Ministers; and the Duke of Wellington immediately left London for Windsor Castle, from whence, after having given the necessary instructions, he proceeded to Bushy Park, for the purpose of communicating the painful event to the Duke of Clarence, now his Most Gracious Majesty King William the Fourth, and to do homage to the new Sovereign of this mighty empire.

A Cabinet Council was immediately summoned, and at twelve o'clock was published the following

"LONDON GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY.

"Whitehall, June 26, 1830.-A bulletin, of which the following is a copy, has been this morning received by Secretary Sir Robert Peel, one of his Majesty's Principal Secretaries of State :

"Windsor-castle, June 26.-"It has pleased Almighty God to take from this world the King's Most Excellent Majesty.

"His Majesty expired at a quarter past three o'clock this morning, without pain. "HENRY HALFord,

"MATTHEW J. TIERNEY."

The following letter was sent from the Right Hon. Sir Robert Peel to the Lord Mayor :

Whitehall, June 26, 1830.-My Lord,-It is my most painful duty to inform you, that it has pleased Almighty God to release his Majesty from his sufferings. His Majesty died at about a quarter past three o'clock this morning.-I have the honour to be, my Lord, your lordship's obedient and faithful servant,

"ROBERT PEEL."

The Lord Mayor, immediately after receiving the afflicting intelligence, which reached him at half-past nine o'clock on Saturday morning, by one of the usual messengers, summoned the principal City Law Officers, and communicated to them the lamentable event. Notice was instantly

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Memoir of His late Majesty George IV.

sent to the Verger of St. Paul's, to order | the great bell to be tolled. All the Aldermen who were in town, upon learning the melancholy fact, attended his lordship at the Mansion-house.

For many days previous to the final struggle, his Majesty's strength was observed to decline rapidly. His sleep was much disturbed at night by the increasing violence of a wasted cough; and, before death had closed the agonies of accumulating disease, emaciation had already laid its withering hand upon the Royal Patient. In health, the King was of regal mould, embodying the idea of Majesty in a frame of noble proportions; in death, there is no token left of the proud physique but its attenuated outline.

Panegyric is the language usually adopted in the obituary of Kings. The good that they have done is alone remembered; the evil is "buried in the grave." This peaceoffering to the memory of a popular Monarch is not of the fashion of Court flattery. | It is the generosity of affection. There is no more to be gained by adulation. The changes that follow on the decease of a Sovereign are not always such as to render those mournful tributes to the departed acceptable to the living. New motives arise; public feeling and personal attachment must be diverted into other channels; old associations must give way to new-born interests; and ancient fidelity may cease to be a virtue in the palace of royalty. To speak well of a King at the moment of his death, is but the natural impulse of a sympathy in which we feel that multitudes share; to embalm our allegiance in long years of grateful recollection, is a more eloquent test of national regard than monumental sculpture, or the doubtful voice of history.

We believe even the political agitators if any yet survive-who endeavoured to embarrass his late Majesty's reign, will hardly deny that the character of GEORGE THE FOURTH was eminently entitled to esteem and veneration. It marks a distinguished era in our history; and if we cannot follow the personal narrative with unmingled satisfaction, we must trace to the circumstances of the times, and the nature of royal responsibility, surrounded by unlimited temptations, those occasional foibles, that, in private life, would merely excite temporary censure, and be forgotten. His Majesty's temperament was ardent; his disposition was of that kindly cast, which in Courts iss by the very necessities of station, sometimes abused to undeserving uses. The weakness of his character was generated by its most amiable traits. He was indecisive, because

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justice in him was not stern, but too merciful; and not easily wrought to forgiveness, because he was too keenly sensitive of the wounds directed against his honour and his feelings. The best qualities of his mind were not subdued and blended. Had they been chastised by a life less prosperous, they would have been more fortunately developed.

de

But it is to the brilliant events of his reign, and the glorious results of his policy, that we must look for the memorials of his greatness. When he assumed the regency, Europe was convulsed by the lingering effects of the French Revolution. Regicide had stained the annals of France, and posed king found refuge in the protecting hospitality of England. From the period when the late King, in form and effect, undertook the cares of government, to the peace of 1815, the British arms, by sea and land, achieved the liberties of a Continent. The release of nations, and the overthrow of the modern ALEXANDER, will stand out to the eyes of all time as the beacon lights of our glory. The domestic events that belong to this memorable reign, will be recorded with equal admiration. Perhaps no British Monarch had to contend with greater difficulties certainly none could have surmounted them with more consummate address.

The last important acts of his life, forming the Magna Charta of Christian toleration, however the opinions of political parties may differ as to their expediency, must be admitted on all hands to prove one factthat he partook of the advancing spirit of the age, and that his mind was not overshadowed by early prejudices, or fettered by educational habits of thinking.

His name is dear to Englishmen. We may exclaim, honestly, in the language of

Junius

RECORDED HONORS SHALL GATHER ROUND HIS MONUMENT, AND THICKEN OVER HIM. IT IS A SOLID FABRIC, AND WILL SUPPORT THE LAURELS THAT ADORN IT.

Of the Funeral Solemnities of his late Majesty, and the inauguration of his august successor, King William the Fourth, we hope to give an account in our next Number. We are happy to state that the Proclamation announcing his accession to the throne of the British Empire, with all its concomitant circumstances, has been attended with the utmost tranquillity, although, from the two contrasted events, sorrow and rejoicing are strangely mingled together.

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Anniversaries of Benevolent Institutions.

ANNIVERSARIES OF BENEVOLENT INSTI

TUTIONS IN THE METROPOLIS.

(Resumed from col. 589, and concluded.] Protestant Society for the Protection of Religious Liberty.

AMONG the various anniversaries held in London during the present year, for benevolent purposes, no one has created a greater interest, or been more numerously and respectably attended, than this; unless we except that of the Anti-Slavery Society, which was held on the same day and hour. These appointments were, however, not made with any intention to rival or oppose each other's proceedings, but merely for local accommodation, and without knowing

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It was a lion, which persecution durst not attack. By a knowledge of its existence, and from a fear of its interference, several intolerant individuals were deterred from deeds of oppression; others, when they found the cause of the injured espoused by it, relaxed in their measures, and, to avoid worse consequences, promised to offend no

more.

To other magistrates and clergymen, actuated by more liberal principles and enlightened views, a just tribute of respect was paid; but neither their example, nor the peace which their amiable conduct towards disssenting congregations had established in their respective neighbourhoods, was found sufficient to eradicate the unholy animosity the measures which the conductors of each which rankled in many bosoms. About had adopted, until the meetings were anseventy cases had required the attention of nounced, and an alteration became imprac-varying from each other either in principle the Society during the preceding year, all

ticable.

The nineteenth anniversary of this Protestant Society, was held on the 15th of June, at the City of London Tavern, Lord Nugent in the chair. The speakers on this occasion were, John Wilks, Esq., Rev. Dr. Bennett, Rev. Mr. Robinson, Professor Hoppus, Mr. Harrison, Rev. Dr. Cox, Roger Lee, Esq., Rev. Dr. Newman, Rev. Mr. Pyer, Rev. Mr. Stewart, Rev. Dr. Humphreys, Rev. Dr. Styles, and the Rev. Mr. Matheson.

At this meeting no formal Report was distinctly read. The materials were committed to the judgment and oratory of John Wilks, Esq., whose bursts of eloquence and peculiar vein of humour have so frequently electrified similar anniversaries. This gentleman, in a speech which occupied nearly three hours in the delivery, was heard with the most profound attention, associated with the most lively emotions. In his luminous progress through the vast accumulation of materials with which both his papers and his head were stored, he detailed many acts of petty tyranny, exercised by country magistrates and church ministers, towards dissenting congregations. In other cases, where dissenters had been annoyed, disturbed, and persecuted, although the clearest evidence was adduced, they could obtain no redress. It appears from the facts collected and set before the meeting, that the spirit of intolerance still walks in many places, evincing by its virulence, that power and opportunity alone are want. ing to recall the gloomy days which many have imagined gone to return no more. cases stated, though shamefully too numerous, would still have been considerably augmented, had not this Society existed.

The

or circumstance, but all evincing the necessity of this Society to watch over the privileges, sanctioned and guaranteed by the tolerant and liberal spirit of the British laws.

We cannot, however, go through this comprehensive and energetic speech in detail, nor do justice even to an isolated part, without quoting the speaker's own words. In a newspaper entitled "The World," for Wednesday, May 26th, it may be found at large, and it will amply repay every person by whom it shall be read. On many former occasions we have heard Mr. Wilks,

during an equal length of time, with unwearied attention, but in no instance was his speech, at a similar anniversary, thought to be ever exceeded.

We shall, however, render more essential service to the cause which this society has been established to promote, by inserting its interesting resolutions, than by any panegyric on its speakers which our language

can command. ́

1. That this Society can never grow weary of promulgating the vitally important principles they were established to defend :-That they continue to regard the right of every man, whether Jew_or ChristianCatholic or Protestant-Methodist or Episcopalian, to worship God according to his conscience, as an essential and unalienable right, which it is absurd and oppressive to impugn-and that such rights are daringly, unwisely, and impiously infringed, whenever any peculiar immunities are bestowed, or any punishments or exclusions are inflicted, in consequence of Religious Faith.

2. That although this Meeting devoutly acknowledge the memorable triumphs that have crowned the sacred cause of religious liberty since the commencement of their Institution, and would rejoice in the advent of the hour when those triumphs should be consummated, and their Institution might expirethey cannot but perceive from general observation, and the experience of their Committee through the past year, that such happy hour has not yet arrivedthat yet an unkind and persecuting spirit extensively exists-that while policy or indifference may have induced occasional and important concessions, yet the great principles of liberty are scarcely acknowledged, and imperfectly understood-and that their Society

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Anniversaries of Benevolent Institutions.

must yet exist, to maintain doctrines essential to the purity of religion and the happiness of man-and to extend the Egis of protection to those whom petty tyrannies and local persecutions yet venture to assail.

3. That this meeting are confirmed in this opinion by the recollection of various important matters justly desired, and that remain to be accomplished, and which would not only add to the security and comfort of persons dissenting from the Established Church, but increase the welfare of the State and that they therefore urge the Committee steadily to pursue those objects, and recommend that all Members of their Communions should explain their nature and necessity to all their Representatives in Parliament, and to those who may solicit their support when a General Election shall occur-and especially as the Meeting are convinced that the early and liberal concessions of needful relief will add to the union and greatness of the Country, and promote its stability and power.

4. That among the measures so justly desired, are some improvements in the Toleration Acts, by which their objects would be better effected, and some practical difficulties and doubts be removed-the correction of a power assumed by clergymen to exclude the corpses of Dissenters from the church, and to omit parts of the service on their interment-the amendment of the law by which Baptists may be excluded from the rites of burial in the churchyards of the parishes in which they reside, and for whose preservation they pay-and the conversion of marriage into a civil contract, and thereby relieving Dissenters of all denominations, as well Orthodox as Unitarian -Protestant as Catholic, from a compulsory celebration of marriage, as the holy sacrament of a church, to whose ritual, and connexion with the state, they consistently and conscientiously object.

5. That the exemption from Poor's Rates of all places of religious worship, including equally the new Episcopal churches and chapels built out of the £1,500,000 granted by Parliament, and which are supported by the letting of pews-as the chapels and meeting-houses of Methodists and Diisenters, is also another measure that appears to this meeting to require the renewed attention of the legislature and an early enactment, as an unjust tax on charity and Christian instruction would be thereby prevented, a large source of parochial discords and expensive appeals would be removed, and the liberal concession and purpose of Lord Liverpool, and his Administration, be crowned with success.

6. That this Meeting also especially desire the validation of Dissenting and Methodist Registries of Baptism or Birth-or rather the substitution for the present imperfect and injurious system of Registry prejudicial to all property, and to Churchmen as well as Nonconformists, of a General Civil Registry of Births, such as Continental Countries have long since adopted, and which may supply statistic information -establish pedigrees-facilitate the transfer and increase the value of estates-and obviate many evils now extensively felt, and which many enlightened statesmen and lawyers perceive and deplore.

7. That to William Townsend, Esq. the Treasurer, and to the Committee, this Meeting offer those cordial acknowledgments, which their zeal and prudence amply deserve; and that the following Ministers and Laymen, of different denominations, and in equal proportions, constitute the Committee for the ensuing

year :

Revs. W. B. Collyer, D.D.; George Collison; F. A. Cox, LL.D.; Alex. Fletcher, A.M.; Joseph Fletcher, A.M.; Rowland Hill. A.M.; Thomas Jackson; J. Lewis; W. F. Platt; Thomas Russell, A.M.; John Styles, D.D.; William Bateman, Esq.; J. B. Brown, Esq., LL.D.: James Esdaile, Esq.; Roger Lee, Esq.; J. Pritt, Esq.; William Townsend, Esq.; Thomas Walker, Esq.; Matthew Wood, Esq. M.P.; Thomas Wilson, Esq.; John Wilks, Esq.

James Young, Esq.

8. That while this Meeting indulge their affectionate recollection of the services rendered to the Institution, from its commencement, by Thomas Pellatt, Esq., one of the Honorary Secretaries, and whose death they truly deplore, they express their pleasure that they are yet favoured by the exertions of John Wilks, Esq., his enlightened and energetic colleague; and they respectfully entreat his continued assistance, till all the objects for which he has well and enthusiastically struggled shall be attained, and the triumphs of Religious Liberty be all complete.

NUGENT, Chairman.

9. That this Meeting desire to discharge the debt of cordial gratitude to the Right Honourable Lord Nugent, their Noble Chairman, for the promptitude with which he consented to add his name to the illustrious personages who have presided on these occasions for the courtesy and talent he has manifestedand for the liberal sentiments he has evinced-and whereby he has added to the honours he has acquired,

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by his long, dauntless, eloquent, and effective efforts, in favour of Civil and Religious Freedom, and Public Reform.

Donations may be transmitted by post to the Trea. surer, William Townsend, Esq., No. 325, High Holborn, or No. 23, York Place, City Road; or to the Secretary, John Wilks, Esq., Finsbury Square, to whom applications for advice should be addressed. From each Congregation in England, the Annual Contribution expected is Two Pounds; and from each in Wales, One Pound. The Subscriptions became due at Lady-day last. Country Ministers, or their friends, will always be received with pleasure by the Committee, at their Meetings, at the King's Head Tavern, Poultry, at half-past six in the evening, on the last Monday in every Month.

Anti-Slavery Society.-No other anniversary in the metropolis during the present year, has excited a more lively interest than this. It was held in Free Masons' Hall on Saturday, May 15th, William Wilberforce, Esq. in the chair. The large room was crowded to excess long before the business began, and many hundreds were compelled to retire, being unable to gain admission. Except to such as were near, the venerable Chairman's voice could not be distinctly heard. His appearance,

how

ever, was sufficient to rivet attention; and neither on this, or any similar occasion, could the presence of any other Chairman have been half so gratifying. It was calculated that about two thousand persons were present, and that from one thousand to fifteen hundred were obliged to go away. Among the distinguished individuals present, most of whom addressed the meeting, were Lords Milton and Calthorpe; the Bishop of Bath and Wells; Hon. and Rev. G. Noel; and Rev. B. Noel; Hon. C. J. Shore; Drs. Lushington and Milner; Messrs. Clarkson, Brougham, Denman, Buxton, W. Smith, Sykes, Spring Rice, O'Connell, Brownlow, W. Whitmore, Pendarves, Z. and T. B. Macauly, H. Drummond, Evans, Garratt, Pownall, Allen, Forster, Gurney, Rev. Daniel Wilson, Captain Gordon, Mr. Hunt, and many others of high respectability.

The opening speech of Mr. Wilberforce was not of a very animating description. He adverted to the intimations of abolition held out by government at different times, all of which had proved delusive; and observed, that at present there seemed to be a disposition to consign this great work to the management of men who were interested in the continuance of slavery. One great conquest had, however, been already achieved, in the suppression of the slave trade. This had encountered many obstacles, but was finally successful. There appeared, therefore, no room for despair. Perseverance was needful; and, above all, prayer to Almighty God for his blessing on their united and humane endeavours.

To the speeches delivered by the various speakers, no justice can be done by any ex-: