The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1824-09-11 00:00:00

EXTRAORDIN.IIII" ABDUCTION.

—raw—
A variety of facts have recently been communicated to us relative
to it nano singular and daring attempt at abduction, made on the'
person or a high dignitary of the Church of England. As far as the
circumstance:are kcown to us out of irlliCll originated this mysteri.
ous affair, we understand that some month* since the lit verend
Divine was on a visit at the seat of his brother, a pea of the realm,
when he formed an attachment to a sung willow, the beautiful
dauktliter of a neighbouring Baronet. Prom the high respectability
of his connexions, and his correct demeanour, his addresses were
favourably received, and at the termination of his visit, it was
mutually agreed on by the confiding pair, that a comospondence
should take place until circumstances and decorum should enable
therm to unite their fate. l'rotesting the most inviolable love and
fidelity to the fair inamorata. the Reverend lianlentatt, at length
departed from the hors pitable mansiiin of his ancestors and returntd
to one of his rectories in the North of England. For sonic time,
letters breathing the most impassioned reeetion were mutually ex-
changed ; the tender and love inspiring notes of Anacreon were
called to the aid of the reverend gallant; and the heart of the
widow relented in all the soft mcittrgs of youthful love, and her
second nature again budded in the freshness of Oa first spring. I
Alas; that these hind hopes wave never to be realised. In a few
weeks the pious correspondent became less regular in his communi-
cations; time inspirations of unbridled love were exchanged fur
the showy protestations of only undiminished friendship; the fair
form of the heat-stricken girl betrayed its secret emotions red
the cheeks which hail wont to be idolized foe their loveliness, ;
assumed in lieu of the beauteous rose, the pale and languid hue
of grief. At length Time, the untaveller of all things, discovered •
the apparent mystery of this ungenerous conduct. The heart of I
the Divine had been pierced, if not with more of love far personal •
excellence, with more of longing for worldly aggrandisement, I
and it was ascertained that a richer rival had occupied his at-
tention. The grief of the injured lady assumed the most alarm-
ing height, and as the ntap:ial day of the plans deceiver ap.
; proached, the must distressing ream were entertained for her'
safety. At length site communicated the injury she had received
to her brother, who was prevented front demanding instant per-I
aortal satisfaction of the Divine, only front his cloth. Tuesday
hat, wax the day appointed for the marriage, and whether or no •
the brother had any share in the transactions of the morning, we
cannot say; but certain it is, the Reverend Divine had not long
left his home on his way to church, when he was most savagely
aitacked by four men, and beat most unmercifully. At this in-
stant some labourers reaping In a neighbouring held, heard his I
cries, and came to his assistance, when his assailants made off. I
The Reverend Bentlentan was carried home, where he at present
lies in a very precarious state. A few moments prior to the ap-
pearance of the labourers, the villains attempted by main force to
place him in a cart which they had with them, drawn by a tine
spirited animal, but the circumstance alluded to, happily frustrated
their intentions. We have not vet learned that any of the offend-
ing parties are in eustody.—Dutifin Freelliale!