1049 Memoirs of Leonardo Aretino. 1050 able to all money and gain. I mean could hardly furnish them with the honour and glory, in comparison of requisite accommodations. Several which, wealth is of little worth. He others were daily expected, amongst who is not satisfied with this reward whom he mentions the Bishop of Bourwill never be a good chief magistrate. | deaux, and some English Prelates. From their relative connection, then, He was grieved to find that a process it is fitting that the governed should had been already commenced against derive profit, and the governors ho- his late master, whose conduct, to his nour. And this is, indeed, declared still greater mortification, he found it by the very insignia of office which impossible to vindicate. Of the chaattend upon the magistrate, such as racter and dispositions of the membanners, and horses with their hous-bers of the council, Leonardo speaks ings, and robes, and shields, and in terms of commendation. Their crests, and other things of the same proceedings were rapid and decisive. kind, all which are the instruments of They deposed both Benedict and Gresplendour and magnificence, not like gory, and raised to the papal chair the account books of merchants, im- Pietro Filardo, a native of the island plements for the obtaining of money. of Candia, who, on his election, asThe acquisition of gain, then, requires sumed the name of Alexander V. a different method, and a different apparatus from the acquisition of honour. But these are now confounded by many, who refer every thing to gain, and make a trade of magistracy. I congratulate you, then, because you have chosen the better way, and have not considered how much profit, but how much praise, you might derive from your late dignity, whilst you were neither led astray from reason by avarice, nor from justice by pride. I will not, in these circumstances, propose any other character for your He was succeeded in the pontifical imitation, but shall content myself honours by Baldassare Cossa, Cardiwith exhorting you to imitate your-nal of St. Eustachio, a man of a restself; for, believe me, nothing will be less spirit and unbounded ambition, wanting to your praise, if you con- and whose moral character so ill befittinue to regulate your conduct by the ted the sacredness of his office, that maxims by which it has hitherto been it was strongly suspected he had guided." shortened the days of his predecessor by poison. It may be presumed, however, that Leonardo did not give credence to this imputation, as he continued for a time to exercise his office of papal secretary under the auspices of Cossa, who, on his accession, took the name of John XXII.|| It has already been related, that the Cardinals, who were hostile to the interests, or disgusted by the conduct, of Gregory, had assembled at Pisa, and had adopted measures to put an end to the schism which had for so long a space of time scandalized and afflicted the true believers in the Catholic faith. It appears, from a letter addressed by Leonardo to his friend Ruffo, that soon after his arrival at Florence, he was summoned to attend, and, as may be conjectured, to assist in recording the deliberations of this august and venerable assembly. On his arrival at Pisa, he found to his surprise, that so great a number of ecclesiastics had repaired to the council, that the city Leonard. Aret. Epistolæ, lib. iii. ep. 11. Leonardo entered into the service of the new Pontiff, in quality of Secretary, in which capacity he accompanied him from Pisa to Pistoria, where the papal court was held during the whole of the winter of 1409. Early in the spring of the ensuing year it was removed to Bologna, where, to the great affliction of the learned and the pious, Alexander, who was distinguished by his talents and his virtues, died in the eighth month of his Pontificate.§ In the course of the same year, however, Leonardo was appointed to the Chancellorship of the Republic of Florence. But, for reasons which are not recorded in his own writings, or in any of the works of his contemporaries which have survived the lapse of time, he did not, on the present occasion, hold this honourable office for a long period. In the latter end of the year 1411, he resigned his mu § Platina, p. 389. Mehi Vita Leon. Aret. p. 40. 1051 Memoirs of Leonardo Aretino. nicipal dignities, and resumed his ancient functious in the Pontifical Chancery.* Early in the ensuing year, he exchanged the freedom of celibacy for the wholesome restraints of the nuptial state. The object of his choice was a lady of good family, at Arezzo, to whom he was married in the month of January or February. The following letter, which he addressed to his friend Poggio, soon after the termination of his honey-moon, evinces that, the joys of matrimony had not extinguished his regard to prudential considerations. "On my return from Arezzo, on the 17th of March, I deviated from the direct road, to pay a visit to your native place, (Terranuova,) where I found both your parents in good health, and heard a good account of your newly married sister, and of the rest of your relations. On my arrival at Florence, I received your letter; and though I am so much fatigued by my journey that I am more inclined to sleep than to write, I will answer it as well as I can. In the first place, as to the witty remark of my excellent friend Zucharo, that I was gone to consummate my marriage, whilst he stayed to consume his patrimony; I would beg leave to inform him that my wedding has to me effected both these purposes. It is incredible what expense is occasioned by the new and extravagant fa- | shions which have been lately adopted in this country. I do not, by this observation, allude to the entertainments which I have given, at which Pincio, whom you well remember for his double entendre, attended with a whole band of musicians. My guests, you may be assured, were numerous. I emptied the market and the grocers' shops, and gave active employment to a variety of cooks, oil-men, and poulterers. These matters, however, are attended with more talk than cost, and cause more bustle than expense. The principal subject of my complaint is, that there is no end of the expense of female ornaments and apparel. I wish those Romans of yours, who have nothing left of their ancient glory, besides empty boasting, could see the gold, the silver, the purple, the pearls, * Mehi Vita Leon. Aret, p. 40. + Ibid. p. 41. Leonard. Aret. Epist. lib. iii. ep. 17. 1052 and the other particulars, which compose the dress of the Florentine ladies. In that case, they would entertain a more humble opinion of themselves than they do at present. But this topic I leave to be handled by my friend Zucharo.”‡ The only offspring of Leonardo's marriage was a son, who was born towards the close of the year 1412, and whose name has been ascertained by the minute researches of Mehus, to have been Donato.§ On the accession of John XXII. to the pontifical chair, his affairs wore a face of prosperity. Whilst Benedict was supported by no part of Christendom except Spain and Scotland, and Gregory, on the death of Robert, Emperor of Germany, held the mere semblance of a court at Rimini, John was acknowledged as the legitimate successor of St. Peter by the greatest part of Europe. His newly acquired dignity was not, however, enjoyed by him without uneasiness. The state of Italy filled him with alarm. In the contention which was at that time carried on for the throne of Naples, between Louis of Anjou, and Ladislaus, king of Hungary, he attached himself to the fortunes of the former of those princes, under whose protection he made his solemn entry into Rome, where he was received with public acclamations. Soon after this Louis gained a signal victory over his competitor. His rashness and presumption, however, prevented him from reaping the fruits of his success. Esteeming his adversary as irretrievably ruined, he quitted the theatre of the war, and repaired to France. Ladislaus, with the promptitude and vigilance of an able soldier, took advantage of his supineness. He collected a numerous army, at the head of which he approached the pontifical capital. John, despairing of being able to make any effectual resistance against the superior forces of the Hungarian monarch, fled from Rome and took shelter in Florence,¶ in the summer of 1413. In the beginning of the winter of the same year, he went to, successively, Bologna, Piacenza, Lodi, Cremono, and Mantua. Early in the following year he returned to Bologna, 1053 Religious Intelligence. where he spent the whole of the sum- | mer. During the course of these toilsome peregrinations, the duties of his office compelled Leonardo to accompany his master.* 1054 Mohawk tribe, dressed in the full costume of his country, and, by his side, a brother Chieftain, in the dress of an English gentleman, who, by their singular, though contrasted appearance, excited a considerable share of public attention. On this occasion, David Bevan, Esq. on being called to the chair, stated, in a pleasing and animated manner, the object of the meeting. The Rev. J. Owen, J. W. Freshfield, Esq. Rev. Joseph Hughes, Mr. Garratt, Rev. Dr. Wardlaw, Rev. In the season of his distress John had earnestly entreated Sigismund, the king of the Romans, to concur with him in the prosecution of two objects, namely, the enforcement of a decree of the council of Pisa, which had fulminated against Ladislaus a sentence of excommunication and deposition; and, the direction of the uni-E. S. Marsh, Rev. Peter Treschow, ted efforts of the most powerful states of Christendom to put an end to the schism. Sigismund, who regarded the successes of the king of Hungary with a jealous eye, lent a willing ear to the proposals of the Pontiff, but gave it as his decided opinion, that their views could only be effected by the summoning of a general council. From this suggestion, the Pontiff shrunk with instinctive dread, but the necessity of his affairs at length compelled him to comply with it; and after various discussions, the city of Constance was fixed upon as the place for the assembling of the council. * Mehi Vita Leon. Aret. p. 41, 42. RELIGIOUS INTELLIGENCE. THIS month has been distinguished by Society. On Monday the 8th, a public meeting was held in the great room of the City of London Tavern, for the express purpose of instituting "A Ladies Branch Society, and ten Female Bible Associations," in connection with the "City of London Auxiliary Bible Society." Luke Howard, Esq. Rev. J. Clayton, Colonel Brandt, Rev. Wm. Henry, Rev. G. Clayton, Rev. J. P. Wehlen, and the Rev. J. Townsend, severally addressed the audience, each taking a distinct view of the grand work in which they were about to engage, enforcing its necessity, and expatiating on its beneficial tendency, and holding out encouragements to a patient continuance in well doing. Of this society, her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent has condescended to become the President. The VicePresidents are, Lady Inglis, Lady Mackworth, Mrs. D. Bevan, Mrs. Fowell Buxton, Mrs. Gillman, Mrs. Mills, Mrs. Macauley, Mrs. Shaw, Mrs. J. Thornton, and Miss Vansittart. The latter of these ladies not being able to attend, forwarded a letter enclosing a donation of ten guineas. Mrs. Fry and Mrs. Deacon are joint Treasurers. This meeting excited a considerable degree of interest, and received the most flattering prospect of support. British and Foreign Seaman's Friend Society, and Bethel Union. The third anniversary of this benevolent society was held at the City of London Tavern, on the evening of Wednesday, October the 10th. Preparatory to this anniversary, a sermon was preached on the Monday preceding, by the Rev. G. C. Smith, of Penzance, Cornwall, in a spacious chapel belonging to the Wesleyan Methodists, in Great Queen-street. On Tuesday, About half-past twelve a great num- the 9th, a sermon was preached in faber of ladies had assembled, who vour of the same institution, by the were afterwards addressed by various Rev. R. Marks, Vicar of Great speakers from an elevated platform, Missenden, Buckinghamshire, in St. erected for their reception, and that Bride's Church, in the morning, and of the President, Secretary, and Com-in the evening, another at Zion Chamittee. On this platform were also pel, by the Rev. T. Roberts, of Bristol. seated an Indian Chieftain, of the During these different services, the 1055 Religious Intelligence. congregations were large, and deeply | attentive to the subjects discussed by the respective preachers. The collections amounted to nearly £100. Although the hour appointed for the commencement of the general meeting on Wednesday, was six, so early as four in the afternoon a considerable number began to assemble. Soon after five, the great room was crowded to excess, and a general cry was raised that no more could be admitted; but on the arrival of many very respectable gentlemen and ladies, this resolution was abandoned, and both the orchestra and the committee-room were completely filled. As multitudes still continued to throng, it was soon found necessary that another room should be engaged, which was accordingly done; but this also was soon filled, and many were obliged to go away from the want of room. The assembly being thus divided, Sir G. Keith, of the Royal Navy, condescended to take the chair in the lower room, where several speakers also remained; among whom were the Rev. Mr. Norris, from Norfolk, Rev. Mr. Evans, from Collington, Captain Allen, R. N. Rev. Wm. Gurney, Rector of St. Clement Danes, and several others. In addition to thesc, different speakers hastened from one room to another, to address the auditors, so that the whole of this large assemblage was highly gratified with the interesting tidings they had to communicate. The committee also were constantly on the alert, devoting their utmost attention to the accommodation of the people assembled, whose orderly and solemn behaviour did honour to their character as Christians, and coincided with the momentous occasion for which they were convened. 1056 bility, and supported by the pious of almost every denomination. The principal speakers in the upper room were, the Rev. Mr. Smith, Rev. Mr. Marks, Rev. Mr. Irons, Rev. Mr. Brown, of South Oakenden, Rev. C. Hyat, R. H. Marten, Esq. the American Chief, Rev. T. Roberts, Mr. Stephenson, Rev. Mr. Sharp, Mr. Phillips, and several others, whose names we do not recollect. During the animated speeches which were delivered by the above gentlemen, many pleasing anecdotes were introduced; and the reiterated plaudits which followed the statement of whatever was striking and important, evinced, in the most unequivocal manner, how much every one present was pleased with the success that had attended the institution. In the hearts of all present the welfare of the sailors appeared to have cast anchor. Their rough and boisterous manners were lost in that open and undisguised frankness which associates with their character; a character that can triumph over danger in seasons of hostility, and command benevolence in times of peace. Among the various speakers who honoured the meeting with their presence, there was not one who excited more attention than the Indian Chief, who appeared in the costume of the Mohawk tribe. When he rose to speak, every eye was fixed upon him, and every ear was listening to catch the observations which he made. But although a breathless silence prevailed throughout the whole assembly, his accents were so low, that those only who sat near him were able distinctly to understand what he delivered. On this account, his pleasing and judicious remarks, couched in the following language, will be the more acceptable to our readers. At six o'clock, the chair was taken in the upper room by the Right Hon. "My Lord, from the connection of Admiral Lord Gambier. The Report, my late father with this country, I which was read by the Secretary, after gained in my youth a little acquaintrecognizing the grand object of the ance with the English language. We society, took a circuit round the Bri-reside on the great river Erie, and we tish shores, including Scotland and have many seamen on our lakes. As Wales, and taking a transient glance I was coming to this country, supat Ireland. From this Report it appeared, that in the various ports, creeks, | and inlets on the surrounding coasts, the Bethel Flag had been hoisted in nearly fourscore places; and that the noble design had been countenanced by gentlemen of the highest respecta ported only by a single plank from the deep below us, I could not but think how vain and how insufficient were the help of man, without the blessing of God. I am happy to be present on this occasion, where you are labouring to promote the welfare, not only of 1057 Religious Intelligence. the British seamen, but of the seamen of every country; and I sincerely hope that Almighty God will grant you success." From different ports several sums were brought forward, as the voluntary contributions of fishermen, of boys in the same profession, of the relations of seamen then navigating the deep, and of sailors, who wished to manifest their attachment to this benevolent institution. In one instance, a small vessel was introduced on the platform, purporting to have one package of bullion on board; the invoice of her cargo was made out in the terms used on similar occasions, and the charge was committed to a lad, by whom she was presumed to be commanded. Several castles also made their appearance, each containing specific sums, deposited in these citadels of safety, in aid of the general cause. Trifling as these circumstances may appear, they naturally tended to enliven the meeting, and to rivet the attention of all present. Even the room itself was decorated in a manner suited to the occasion. Just over the head of the gallant Admiral, the British colours were displayed; and on each side was a flag, with the word "Bethel" inscribed in large letters. The occasional waving of these streamers had an imposing effect, and it was not without its corresponding influ ence. Although much animated eloquence was displayed in many speeches, no speaker appeared to greater advantage than the Rev. Mr. Smith, of Penzance, in Cornwall. This gentleman in early life had been a seaman; he was, therefore, intimately acquainted with the manners and customs of sailors, and with those nautical terms immediately connected with their profession. To the former of these he frequently referred, and the latter he introduced with so much ease and familiarity, as to prevent even the most careless from growing dull. His address to Lord Gambier, in a strong and commanding voice, when moving the last resolution, contained a fine burst of eloquence, which at once appealed to the understanding, animated the feelings, and captivated the heart. At the conclusion, his Lordship replied to several observations in which 1058 he was personally interested, and adverted to the occasion of the meeting in a manner that did honour to his head and his heart. His appeals to the authority of scripture were frequent and appropriate, and the evidence which his speech afforded, that he was actuated by the purest of motives, was sufficient to remove every doubt from the most sceptical mind. From Lord Gambier, nothing short of manly sentiments was to be expected; but on this occasion, the manners of the gentleman were sweetly enlivened with the genuine spirit of the Christian. Just before the meeting broke up, which did not take place until nearly ten o'clock, two verses of a hymn were sung. Collections were made at the doors, and we understand that the sum was considerable, but the exact amount we have not heard. Manchester Bible Society. On the same day with the preceding, October 10th, the Eleventh Anniversary of the Manchester and Salford Auxiliary Bible Society was held in the large room of the Exchange Buildings. The Boroughreeve of Manchester was called to the chair, which was taken at half-past two o'clock, at which time the room was crowded to excess. The Report was read by the Rev. Mr. Roby. The principal speakers were, Rev. T. S. Grimshaw, Rev. Dr. Collyer, Rev. Melville Horne, C. Dudley, Esq. Rev. T. Selkirk, Rev. J. Thistlethwaite, Rev. T. Rogers, Rev. J. Hollist, Rev. C. Burton, Rev. J. Hawtrey, Rev. N. Gilbert, and the Rev. R. Newton. From the statements given, it appeared, that the sacred writings had been translated into one hundred languages ;-that in France 5000 copies had been distributed by the Bible Society of that country;-that 90,000 New Testaments are now preparing, under the auspices of the British and Foreign Bible Society;-and that in Germany 400,000 copies had been distributed by a distinguished Catholic divine. From Russia the most gratifying intelligence had been received. Fourteen new societies had been formed during the past year, which made the total number of Bible Societies in that country, amount to two hundred and six. These were supported by all ranks of society, from the cottage to the throne, and not one clergyman was |