being Abbat, had an entire and enclosed monastery of about a hundred religious men; but according to the custom of Abbats, he maintained three hundred domestics in separate houses and places adjoining, and among them many gentlemen's sons. Besides he kept many at their studies in the Universities. He practised hospitality to all travellers passing by, upon any account whatsoever, insomuch that he sometimes entertained five hundred horsemen. On Wednesdays and Fridays, he distributed bountiful and fixed alms on the poor resorting from all the villages round about. And this was the custom of almost all the other monasteries and richer Abbots in England. The King's officers who went about to the monasteries having, therefore, acquainted Henry VIII. that Whiting could not be prevailed on to sign the instrument proposed by his Majesty, they were directed to bring him immediately to London, without hindering him to take a long and decent retinue, suitable to his dignity, but to take care that he should dispose of nothing that belonged to the monastery; and lastly, that a certain knight who was the chief of his family, and whom the King's officers had already corrupted, should come with him, as it were to assist him on his journey, but in reality, as a keeper and spy.

"When he was come to London, the King's counsellors did not think fit to say much to him, when they understood from his steward he was positively resolved never to subscribe that instrument: but the King would not seem to exact it from any man by force. Having searched Whiting's cabinets, the King had found a little book written against the divorce, brought in without Whiting's knowledge, by them that searched, which he thought a sufficient pretence to put him to death. Having, therefore, received a slight check, and being stripped of part of his retinue (for he came with about: 150 horse,) he was dismissed from London, to receive the King's pleasure at home. But when he arrived at the city of Wells, which is five miles from Glastonbury, he was informed that there was an assembly of the gentry, and he summoned to it. He went immediately, and, entering the court, was going to take his place among the prime of them, when the crier called him to

the bar, and bid him answer to the crimes of high treason laid to his charge. The old man wondered-looked about him, and asked his steward what the meaning of it might be. He, as he had been instructed, bid him be of good heart, whispering him that this was all done to fright him. Soon after, Whiting was condemned, and sent away to Glastonbury, yet never imagining that his end was so near. When he came near the walls of the monastery, a Priest was presented to him to hear his confession in the horse-litter that carried him : for they assured him he must die that very hour.

"The old man, with tears, begged he might have a day or two allowed him to prepare for death; or at least that going into the monastery, he might recommend himself to his monks, and take his leave: but neither was granted; for, being turned out of the horse-litter, and laid upon a hurdle, he was dragged along the ground to the top of a high hill which overlooks the monastery, where he was hanged in his monk's habit, and quartered, on the day above mentioned.

"The shepherd being slain, the sheep were easily dispersed; nor were there many religious men found after the death of these three Abbats, to oppose the King's tyranny. Henry, therefore, like a conqueror, invaded, threw down, plundered, and demolished all; but the pos sessions and revenues of the monasteries he, for the most part, distributed among the nobility, that they might never after be reclaimed or restored to the Church."

This was the destruction of an institution which had felt the fostering care of Ina, Edward, Edgar, and other kings, and reared within its walls Gildas the historian. Of other parts of the remains, the Abbat's kitchen is the most perfect; whilst the ancient well in Joseph's chapel, may claim more than passing notice.

And here, for the present, I must break off; reserving until next month an account of the remainder of my trip. Faithfully yours, W. B. F.

149

The Editor's Desk.

As our readers know, we take especial pleasure in chronicling those several celebrations that speak of the advancement of the Church, and show how she is gaining power and influence upon the people. The glorious celebration at Frome on S. John Baptist's day is noticed elsewhere. We have now to mention two of less pretensions, but which we are glad to record. The first is a village feast on S. Peter's day, at Witham, Essex, which is a most cheering sign of progress in a parish where much has been done during the last few years. On the vigil of S. Peter, an unusually large congregation met in the chapel of All Saints, when a sermon was preached by the assistant curate. Early on the following morning, long ere matins, which were said at the Parish Church of S. Nicolas at half-past seven, there were sounds and signs indicative of the coming festivity. The school rooms were decorated with evergreens, and emblematical floral devices adorned the exterior of the Church and schools. Over the principal entrance to the latter, a large white cross was reared, and the letters V.R. were conspicuous. The children, numbering more than three hundred, met at the schools, and went in procession to the adjoining chapel of All Saints, when the ante-communion service was read by the curates, Revs. A. Stone and W. Sankey, and a sermon preached by the Rev. J. Bramston, vicar. Immediately after service, dinner was provided for the children in the school rooms, where they made a most substantial meal, being waited upon by the gentry and tradespeople of the town, who seemed to enjoy their share as fully as the happy-looking children. As soon as dinner was over, the schools formed into procession, preceded by a banner, bearing the symbol of the cross, and accompanied by a band. Having made the round of the town, they dispersed in the vicarage grounds, for games and distribution of prizes, at which were present as spectators the greater part of the parish, high and low, rich and poor. These games were kept up with

great spirit until tea and cakes called them off to the lawn. A few well-sung songs, and "GOD save the Queen,” closed this happy feast day.

The second festival was of a somewhat different, though not less cheering character, in that it reminded us of times when

"They built full many a Beadshouse, but never a bastile.”

The more that the true principles of the Church Catholic are understood, the more clearly will the position of master and workman be understood also. On the 18th of July, R. A. Green, Esq. of Holcome, near Bath, a gentleman to whom and his family, the Church in this neighbourhood is much indebted, entertained about eighty children, part those of his workmen, and part from a neighbouring parish, at tea upon his lawn. Neat banners with appropriate inscriptions were interlaced among the trees, and the whole scene was one which called up no ordinary feelings of gratification. The repast was of a most substantial character, and nothing was wanting to render the youthful company happy. The sun shone brightly, and as the sky above was clear, so were the hearts of the children unclouded by a thought of care. After the tea was concluded, various festive sports were indulged in, prizes distributed, and not a few regretted that twilight bade them return in due season to their homes. Before doing so, however, they sang with right good will Mr. Neale's "Song for the times," and other pleasant ditties, with hearty good will. The presence of their former pastor, the Rev. J. T. White, among them, was a cause of joy, not only to the hospitable provider of the feast, but also to those whom for some years he had tended with such watchful and unceasing care. After a brief address from the Rev. W. B. Flower, of Kingskerswell, the merry group went to their homes, gratified with their day's enjoyment, and full of thankfulness to those who mid the blessings they enjoy never forget the poor. May such festivals be multiplied, for sure we are, they tend more than anything else to link heart to heart, and bind the classes of society together in chains that are not of earth.

On Trinity Sunday, the lovely village church of Papworth S. Agnes, in Cambridgeshire, was dedicated with solemn services after its complete restoration,-we might almost say re-edification. The works have for the most part been carried out at the cost, and under the superintendence of the Rector; who, being well skilled in ecclesiastical architecture, has been his own architect. At his induction to the living, in 1821, the church consisted of a Debased nave, and stump of a large Perpendicular tower; the upper part of which, together with the chancel, had perished in the civil wars. A lofty and handsome tower was built a few years back; to this a chancel and nave, with north porch, in flowing Middle-Pointed, have just been added. No expense has been spared in material or workmanship. The open seats are all of oak, with good simple mouldings. The chancel is correctly fitted, and has an organ chamber on its north side. The pavement is of Minton's tiles. The east window and those on the south side are of stained glass. The subjects are scriptural, the workmanship of Wailes. The windows are all large, and of three lights each. Each window contains six subjects, two in a light, with explanatory legend in English. Under the east window is the following dedicatory inscription: "To the glory of God, in thankful remembrance of Henry Piper Sperling, and Sarah Anne his wife, by their surviving children." The subjects of the windows are so instructive, that we cannot but give a detailed account of them.