CHRISTMAS CAROLS, AND WAITS. THE Christmas Carol is of high antiquity: indeed, the Angels Hymn of Glory to God in the highest, recorded in St. Luke's history of our Lord's Nativity, has been sometimes cited, as the first instance of this sort of holy song. BISHOP JEREMY TAYLOR says, "As soon as these blessed choristers had sung their Christmas Carol, and taught the Church a hymn, to put into her offices for ever, in the anniversary of this festivity, the angels returned into heaven." His place of birth a solemn Angel tells To simple shepherds, keeping watch by night; Of squadron'd Angels hear his carol sung.-MILTON. This hymn was introduced at a very early period into the offices of the Christian church; and, in process of time, other hymns of the same sort appear to have been formed after this example. Down to the present time, the custom of singing "Christmas Carols" has been preserved, and is still in existence, varying probably in circumstances and degree, but dispersed more or less over the different parts of the country. We love ancient customs, and this one is in itself blameless, and capable of being made productive of good, Even the sound of the Waits," as the author of the Sketch Book, Washington Irving, beautifully observes, "rude as may be their minstrelsy, breaks upon the mid-watches of a winter night with the effect of perfect harmony. As I have been awakened by them, in that still and solemn hour, when deep sleep falleth upon man,' I have listened with a hushed delight; and, connecting them with the sacred and joyous occasion, have almost fancied them into another celestial choir, announcing peace and good-will to mankind." But the forms of words under which, in general, the custom has hitherto been maintained, however praiseworthy in their object, are, from their style of composition, rather calculated to bring ridicule and contempt on sacred subjects, than to encourage such religious feelings as become the seasons and services appropriated to religion. It has, accordingly, been thought, that little poems, written in a plain and easy style, and breathing proper sentiments of piety, could hardly fail to be generally useful. The following is one of a collection of ORIGINAL CHRISTMAS CAROLS, just put forth, in a cheap form, by the Committee of General Literature and Education, appointed by the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge*. STAR of the east, whose beacon light On thee in thought we love to gaze And think on thy mysterious rays But still more fair thy form arose, Which of a more serene repose, Hail thou, whose silvery radiance led In Him, the Prince of Peace! These CAROLS, set to some beautiful Music, have also been published in a small quarto volume, with a curious historical account of Christmas Carols, from which this article abridged. So on thy beacon light we gaze In western climes afar, THE CADENHAM OAK, IN THE NEW FOREST, HAMPSHIRE, THOSE of our readers who are acquainted with The village of Cadenham, about three miles from Lyndhurst, lies at a sharp bend in the road which leads to Salisbury. It is prettily situated in a beautiful part of the forest, and the fame of its oak, which has been an object of curiosity for two visiters. The story which formerly prevailed amongst centuries and a half, has drawn to it numbers of the foresters, and which has some very firm supporters, even in the present day, is, that the oak always buds on the morning of old Christmas-day, and has leaves on it on that day, and that day alone. Or this statement, however, as is generally the case with such matters, a part only appears to be true. Mr. Gilpin, who lived about fifty years since, gives, in his entertaining work on Forest Scenery, a very interesting account of the tree, in which he seems to have placed its peculiarities in a true light. "Having often heard of this oak," he tells us, “I took a ride to see it on the 29th of December, 1781. It was pointed out to me amongst several other oaks, surrounded by a little forest-stream, winding round a knoll, on which stood the tree in question. It is a tall, straight plant, of no great age, and apparently vigorous, except that the top has been injured; from which circumstance, several branches issue forth from it, in the form of pollard-shoots. It was entirely bare of leaves, as far as I could discover, when I saw it; and was not to be distinguished from the other oaks in its neighbourhood, except that its bark seemed rather smoother, occasioned, I apprehended, only by persons frequently climbing up it." On the morning of the fifth of January, following this visit to the tree,—that is, on old Christmas-day, —a person, he tells us, whom he had engaged to do so, sent him some twigs a few hours after they had been gathered. The leaves were fairly expanded, and about an inch in length, and from some of the buds, two leaves had unsheathed themselves. To this statement, Mr. Gilpin adds an account to the same effect, from a respectable country newspaper of the day. "There is no doubt," says that paper, "but that this oak, may in some years, show its first leaves on the Christmas-morning. It is as probable that it should do so on that morning, as on one a few days earlier. And this, perhaps, was the case in 1785, when a gentleman, who was a very nice and critical observer, strictly examined the branches, not only on the Christmas-morning, but also on the day before. On the first day, not a leaf was to be found; but on the following, every branch had its complement of leaves, though they were then but just shooting from the buds, none of them being more than a quarter of an inch long."-Salisbury Journal. These accounts clearly show that the tree did sometimes bud and bear its first leaves on Old Christmasday, but to prove that the notion of its never budding earlier than that particular day is untrue, we add another anecdote from the same source. A lady from Salisbury went to Cadenham on Monday, January the third, 1786. On her arrival, the guide was ready to attend, but on being desired to climb the oak, and to search whether there were any leaves then on it or not, he said it would be to no purpose, but that if she would come on the Wednesday following, (that is, Old Christmas-day,) she might certainly see thousands. He was, however, prevailed on to ascend; and on the first branch which he gathered, there appeared, to his infinite amazement, several fair new leaves, just sprouted from the buds, and nearly an inch and a half in length*. Those who state that no leaves are to be seen on the tree after Christmas-day, may easily be believed, for it is well known that large parties assemble every year about the oak on that morning, and regularly strip from it every appearance of leaf. Indeed, if any were to remain, the cold and severity of the weather at that season would soon cause them, new and tender as they must be, to wither and decay. And this view Mr. Gilpin confirms. "This early spring of the oak," he observes, "is of very short duration. Even buds, which escape being plucked off, after unfolding themselves, make no further progress: but immediately shrink from the season, and die." And he adds: "The tree continues torpid, like other trees of its kind, during the remainder of the winter, and buds again in the spring, at the usual season. I have seen it in full leaf, in the middle of summer, when it appeared, both in its form and foliage, exactly like other oaks." Now, in looking to the cause of this very singular property of the tree, we must, of course, put out of the question the superstitious view of the subject, which would seem to attribute some supernatural influence to Old Christmas Day. Such conceits and old wives' fables might suit well to excite the amazement of the ignorant in times gone by, never, I trust, to return. But, in good truth, there is amply sufficient cause, even in the simplest view of the matter, to call forth our admiration, and to arrest the attention, not only of the naturalist, but also of the most casual observer. It must be allowed there is something very uncommon and unnatural in an oak thus continually and regularly putting forth leaves at this period of the year, whether the winter be severe or otherwise. Mr. Gilpin observes, that through what power of nature this strange premature vegetation is occasioned, he believed no naturalist could explain. "I sent," he tells us, some of the leaves to one of the ablest botanists we have had, the late Mr. Lightfoot, author of the Flora Scotica, but he assured me, that he neither could account for it in any way, nor did he know of any other instance of such premature vegetation, except the Glastonbury Thorn." Mr. Gilpin mentions, that there was one of the progeny of this oak, growing in the garden of the Duchess Dowager of Portland, at Bulstrode, which had its buds perfectly formed so early as December the twenty-first, in the year 1781, fifteen days earlier than the usual time. After such an opinion from such an authority, it is not without some hesitation that I attempt to account for the circumstance; nor should I do so at all, if the conjecture I have to offer did not appear to be at once both simple and satisfactory. Dr. Maton, in his interesting notices of the Western Counties, referring to the Glastonbury Thorn, has suggested whether it might not be a specimen of the common thorn, but originally brought into this country by pilgrims from the East. And may not the same as probably be the case with regard to the origin of the Cadenham Oak? May not it, or, at least, the oak from which it sprung, have been introduced by some eastern pilgrim or traveller on their return from the Holy Land? I am aware, that this circumstance of its having been found growing thus far east, could not be sufficient to remove the difficulty, because there is so little difference between the time of our spring and that of Palestine, that it would not account either for the thorn or the oak thus prematurely budding. But it appears to me, that they were not natives even of the Holy Land, but were introduced there from some country still further east, and that the pilgrims and others, being struck by the remarkable property of the trees, brought them as memorials of their pilgrimage. If this be a just view of the case, then the cause of the peculiar property of the Cadenham Oak will be evident. For it is, I believe, a law of nature, that every thing endued with life, will ever follow the peculiar inclinations of its innate propensities, as long as they exist, unless checked and prevented by some overpowering cause, and this disposition, however repressed by force, many will continue to show, whenever they are allowed an opportunity. applying this to the Cadenham Oak, the state of the case seems to stand thus. The oak, if in its native land, would bud and bear leaves at a time which would there be spring, but which, in fact, answers to our winter. Hence, when removed into this country, it shows its natural bent, which it is prevented from following to perfection by the severity of the season; and hence, after an ineffectual struggle, it puts off its full budding and bearing of leaves till our spring-time; and then, as it were, accommodates itself for the remainder of the year, to the manners of its adopted country. This view of the matter may serve to account, in an unobjectionable manner, for the singular character of the oak. In Mr. Gilpin speaks of the tree, fifty years back, as being then healthy and vigorous; our engraving, which is from a drawing lately taken on the spot, represents it as almost in the last stage of dissolution. The fact is, it has been for some time falling into decay: but a storm in the present year has nearly completed its destruction. Happily, however, for the good people of Cadenham, the younger tree, which stands by its side, is the production of one of its acorns. And as it possesses the same distinguishing property as the aged tree, it will, no doubt, take its place in the world, and receive, in its turn, the same mingled homage and ill-usage from mankind which its parent has so long experienced. And thus it ever is in this changing scene of human life. Each successive generation passes away, and another speedily supplies its place. Each man, in his time, goes to his long home, and leaves his situation, with all its joys and sorrows, to be occupied by another. We each may say, "And so 'twill be, when I am gone." D. I. E. THE CADENHAM OAK, IN NEW FOREST, HAMPSHIRE. ANNIVERSARIES IN DECEMBER. CHRISTMAS-DAY, or the FEAST of the NATIVITY.-At what precise period, or why this particular day was set apart for the commemoration of our Blessed Saviour's birth, is no where precisely accounted for; yet we may be assured that its observance is of the highest antiquity, since, so early as the fourth century, it was the custom of pious persons to date any remarkable event from the Festival of the Incarnation, which then, as now, was celebrated on this day. At the first German Synod, held in 741, it was adopted as the epoch from which Christians should date, rather than from the pagan epoch of the building of Rome; and, in 1431, Pope Eugenius rendered its adoption obligatory in all Christian countries. From the earliest ages it has been set apart as a period of rejoicing, and though much of the profuse hospitality with which our forefathers were wont to welcome its approach has passed away, it is yet universally recognised as a season when every Christian should show his gratitude to the Almighty, for the inestimable benefits procured to us by the nativity of our Blessed Saviour, by an ample display of good-will towards our fellow-men. THURSDAY, 26th. ST. STEPHEN'S DAY.-St. Stephen was a Jew, and his death took place in the year 33 or 34, through the malice of the Pharisees, whose anger he had excited by the zeal and ability with which he advocated the doctrines of Christianity. FRIDAY, 27th. ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST.-St. John was the younger brother of James, and son to Zebedee and Salome. The circumstances attending his call to be an Apostle are related by the other Evangelists, but not by himself; from them we learn that it took place on the shore of the sea of Galilee, where he was pursuing his occupation of a fisherman. He was the constant companion of his Lord, and seems to have enjoyed a pre-eminent share of his affection and confidence. He alone was present at the crucifixion, and to his care did our Saviour consign his mother. At her death, which happened about fifteen years after, St. John travelled into Asia, where he preached the Gospel with eminent success. He was banished to the isle of Patmos by Domitian, and there beheld that heavenly vision related in the Apocalypse. On the death of Domitian, St. John returned to Ephesus, where he died, about the year 100, having survived all the other Apostles. His Gospel contains fewer facts, and is more diffuse in relating the conversation and doctrine of Christ than the others, on which account, Clement of Alexandria calls it the Spiritual Gospel; and St. Jerome informs us, it was undertaken by its inspired author, to combat the heresies which, even at this early period, had crept into the Church. It is supposed to have been published about the year 97, that is, full fifty-nine years after the publication of St. Matthew's Gospel, and when all the others were freely circulated in the Christian Churches. 1724 Died, Thomas Guy, founder of Guy's Hospital. FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS. 1765 The Pretender, died at Rome, aged seventy-eight. 1460 Battle of Wakefield, in which the Duke of York, and 3000 Yorkists, were slain. USEFUL MEMENTO.-Jenkin Daniel, who was Mayor of Truro, in Cornwall, in 1615, erected a stone in the market place of that borough with this inscription: "T. B. JENKIN DANIEL, Mayor, Who seeks to find eternal treasure, Must use no guile in weight or measure. 1615." LET us satisfy our own consciences, and trouble not our selves by looking for fame. If we deserve it, we shall attain to it: if we deserve it not, we cannot force it. The praise bad actions obtain, dies soon away; if good deeds are at first unworthily received, they are afterwards more properly appreciated.-SENECA. A GREAT man may chance to be a sloven; but it does not follow that every man who is a sloven, must be a great man. To discover truth is the best happiness of an individual, and to communicate it, is the greatest blessing he can bestow upon society.-TOWNSEND. LONDON: JOHN WILLIAM PARKER, WEST STRAND. PUBLISHED IN WEEKLY NUMBERS, PRICE ONE PENNY, AND IN MONTHLY PARTS FRICE SIXPENCE, AND Sold by all Booksellers and Newsvenders in the Kingdom, VOL. III. 95 UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE COMMITTEE OF GENERAL LITERATURE AND EDUCATION, APPOINTED BY THE SOCIETY FOR PROMOTING CHRISTIAN KNOWLEDGE. THE CASTLE OF WARKWORTH, IN AMONGST the most beautiful of the rivers in the North of England is the Coquet, which rises in the north-west part of Northumberland, and, after leaving the lofty, naked hills, passes eastward, with a clear and rapid stream, through one of the most fertile and picturesque districts in the country About a mile from the mouth of this river, on the crown of a rock of lofty eminence, stands the Castle of Warkworth. The view from hence (says Hutchinson in his history,) is so extensive and various, that description can carry but a very imperfect idea of its members or its beauties: to the east and north-east there is a sea-prospect, with which you take in Dunstanbrough and Bambrough Castles, at the most distant point of land. The Farn Islands lie scattered like patches on the face of the waters; and at a little distance are seen the mouth of the River Coquet, and Coquet Island, with its ruined monastery. To the north you view a richly-cultivated country; westward, the banks of the river, graced with little woodlands, which here and there impend on its winding channel. To the south lies an extensive plain, inclining towards the sea, crowded with villages, and interspersed with woods; whilst, on the extreme distance, the different tints of the landscape, arising from the various objects, require colours to convey their picture to the mind. The village of Warkworth is situated on the northern inclination of this hill, and forms a pleasing, though steep, approach to the castle. Grose, who has given two views of this castle in his Antiquities, says, nothing can be so magnificent and picturesque, from what part soever it is viewed; and though, when entire, it was far from being destitute of strength, yet its appearance does not excite the idea of one of those rugged fortresses destined solely for war, whose gloomy towers suggest to the imagination only dungeons, chains, and executions, but rather that of such an ancient, hospitable mansion, as is alluded to by Milton, Where throngs of knights, and barons bold, The castle and moat, according to an old survey, occupied upwards of five acres of ground. The keep, or donjon, containing a chapel, and a variety of spacious apartments, stands on the north side, and is elevated on an artificial mount, from the centre of which rises a lofty observatory. The area is enclosed by walls garnished with towers. The principal gateway, which is on the south side, has been a stately edifice, but only a few of its apartments now remain. The Castle and Barony of Warkworth belonged to Roger Fitz-Richard, who held them by the service of one knight's fee of the grant of Henry the Second. They continued in this family for several successive generations, and were, at length, by John surnamed De Clavering, settled, after his death, and provided he died without male issue, upon King Edward the First. They were bestowed upon Henry Percy (the ancestor of the Earls of Northumberland,) by Edward the Third. After being several times forfeited and recovered, they were finally restored, in the twelfth year of Henry the Fifth, to Henry, fourth Earl of Northumberland, and have, since that period, continued in the possession of the noble and illustrious house of Percy. This castle was the favourite residence of the Percy family, and, in Leland's time, was well menteyned; but, in 1672, its timber and lead were granted to one of their agents, and the principal part of it was unroofed. It is not certainly known when it was built. The gateway and outer walls are evidently the work of a very remote age; but the keep exhibits peculiarities of a more recent and more opulent period, and was, probably, built by the Percy family. On the north bank of the Coquet, about half a mile west of the castle, is WARKWORTH HERMITAGE, and interesting poem, The Hermit of Warkworth, which has obtained great celebrity by the beautiful written by Dr. Percy, Bishop of Dromore, in 1771. The approach is kept in neat order, and still retains its original form; a narrow walk, on the brink of the river, confined by lofty perdendicular rocks to about the width of four feet, leads to the door of this holy retreat. From the summit of these rocks, a grove of from their base issues a spring of the purest water, oaks is suspended, casting a solemn shade; and which formerly supplied the recluse. This sweet sequestered vale I chose My love was wont to rove.-Hermit of W. The steps, vestibule, and chief apartments of the hermitage, are hewn out of the bosom of a free-stone rock, whose outside face is about twenty feet high, embowered with stately trees, impending from the top of the precipice and fissures of the cliffs. One lower and outward apartment (which probably did not form a part of the original building,) is of ashlar masonry, built up against the side of the rock, and appears to have been attached as a kitchen, having a range, or fire-place, six feet wide. Passing from this outward building, you ascend, by seventeen steps, to a little vestibule. Above the inner door-way appear the remains of an inscription, from the Latin version of the Psalms, which is, in our translation, “my tears have been my food day and night." Adjoining to this is the principal apartment, a chapel, which is eighteen feet in length, and seven and a half in breadth and height, and is curiously decorated in the old Gothic style of architecture, as is represented in the engraving. At the east end of this chapel is an altar, formed across the whole apartment, and ascended by two steps; behind this are a niche or cavity for a crucifix, and the remains of a glory. On the right hand, near the altar, in another niche, is the representation of a table-monument, (no chink appearing, to lead to the supposition that it is hollowed for any human remains,) with a recumbent female figure, the hands and arms of which appear to have been elevated. At the foot of this monument, and cut in the wall, is the figure of an hermit on his knees, resting his head on his right hand, and his left placed on his bosom, as in a lamenting or pensive posture. The whole is beautifully designed and executed in the solid rock, and has all the decorations of a complete Gothic church or cathedral in miniature. From the chapel is an entrance into an inner apartment, over the door of which is sculptured a shield with the crucifixion, and several instruments of torture; here is another altar, like that in the chapel, and a recess in the wall for the reception of a bed. (See Engraving, p. 248.) In this chamber is a small closet, cut in the wall to the north, and leading to an an open gallery, which commands a most splendid prospect up the river. From these cells there are winding stairs cut in the rock, leading to its summit, where, it is supposed, the hermit had his olitory, or garden. It is the universal tradition, that the first hermit was one of the Bertram family, which had once considerable possessions in Northumberland, and imposed |