The Sun.
London, England, 1833-12-11 00:00:00

her sketch of the character of Charles the S

cond. Her vigorous understanding has not for
a moment suffered itself to be diverted from the
exposure of his profligate follies, because, for-
sooth, he was good-natured. Why he was ever
called the Merry Monarch, except by court
pimps and poets laureat, we could never imagine,
for he was a sad enough Monarch for England.
The following contrasts admirably with Scott's
Tory fiction of the "Merry Monarch :"
" Edmund managed so well to put himself in the way
of being observed while Palmer made his inquiries, that
both were summoned on board the yacht. The clergy-

man looked so unlike anybody that the lords arid gentle-
men within had commonly to do with, that he was not
allowed to remain behind. They seemed to have some
curiosity to see whether a Presbyterian parson could eat
like other men, for they pressed him to sit down to table
with them,—a table steaming with the good meats which
had been furnished from the kitchen boar, which always
followed in the rear• of the yacht. Dr. Reede simply oh•
served that it was a fast day ; and could pot be made to
perceive that being on the water and in high company
absolved him from the observances of the day. Every
body else seemed of a different opinion ; for, not content
with the waill regale of fine music which attended the
royal excursions, the lords and gentlemen present had
made the fiddlers drunk, and set them in that state to
sing all the foul songs with which their professional me•
movies could furnish them. Abundance of punch was
preparing, and there was some Canary of incomparable
goodness which had been carried to and from the Indies.
Two of the company were too deeply interested in what
they were about to care for either music or Canary at the
moment. Charles and the Duke of Ormond were rat-
tling the dice-box, having staked 1,0001. on the cast. It
was of some consequence to the King to win it, as he bad,
since morning, lost 23,0001. in bets with the Duke of
York and others about the sailing match which they had
carried on while the rest of the nation were at church,
deprecating God's judgments.
" Having lost his 1,0001., he turned gaily to the stran-
gers, as if expecting some new amusement from them. He
made a sign to Edmund (whom be knew in virtue of his
cffiee). that he would hold discourse with him presently in
private, and then asked Dr. Reede what the clergy had
discovered of the reasons for the heavy judgment with
which the kingdom was afflicted.
" Dr. Reede believed the clergy were more anxious to
obtain God's mercy than to account for his judgments.
" You are deceived, friend. Our Rev. Dean of
Windsor has been preaching that it is our supineness in
leaving the heads of the regicides on their shoulders that
has brought these visitations on our people. He discoursed
largely of the matter of the Gibeonites, and exhorted us to
quirk vengeance.'
" Dr. Reede could not remember any text which
taught that wreaking vengeance on man was the way to
propitiate God. He could not suppose that this disartrous
defeat abroad would have been averted by butchering the
regicides in celebration of the King's marriage as had been
proposed.
" The King had not yet bad time to comprehend the
news of this defeat. On hearing of it, Le seemed in a
transient state of consternation ; marvelled, as his subjects
were wont to do, what was to become of the kingdom at
this rate; and signified his wish to be left with the mes-
senger, the Duke of York alone remaining to help him to
collect all the particulars. The company accordingly
wi hdrew to curse the enemy, wonder who was killed and
who wounded, and straightway amuse themselves, the
ladies with the dice-box, the gentlemen with betting on
their play, and all with the fears of a juggler of rare ac-
compishments, who was at present under the patronage of
one of the King's favourites.
" When Palmer bad told his story and was dismissed,
Edmund was called in, and, at his own request, was
attended by his brother-in-law,—the discreet gentleman
of excellent learning, who might aid the project to be now
discoursed tf. The King did; at length, look grave. He
supposed Edmund knew the purpose for which his pre•
sence was required.
" To receive his Highness the Duke's pleasure re-
specting the navy accounts that are to be laid before
Parliament. '
" • That is my brother's affair,' replied the King. I
desire from you,—your parts having been well commended
to me,—some discreet composure which shall bring our
Government into less disfavour with our people than it
bath been of late.' "
• • • • •
" Dr. Reede, as usual, spoke his thought.. The people,
tieing aware what sums had within a few months fal en
into the royal treasury, would be slow to suppi,se that
their King was in want of necessary clothing.
‘.. What! the present to the Queen from the Lord
Mayor and Aldermen ? Tuat was but a paltry thousand
pounds.'
" Dr. Reede could not let it be supposed that any one
expected the King to benefit by gifts to his Queen.
" Charles lurked up hastily to is e if this was in.
tended as a reproach, for he had, indeed, appropriated
every thing that he could lay his bands on of wrist Iris
dutiful subjects bad offered to his Queen, as a compliment
o❑ her marriage. The clergyman looked innocent, ar.d
the King went on,—
" And as fur her portiones...twenty such portions would

Mr. Robert Owen, of Hackney-road, who was
summoned with many others before the Magistrates,
having successfully resisted an alleged illegal church
rate, sought to be levied for the payment of the
Rector's salary, instead of the repairs of the church,
has been selected by the Church,vardens, and c;ted
before the Ecclesiastical Court for the same rate.

Mr. Owen has determined to try the question
singly, and has appeared in person before the Court
with the intention o conducting the case himself.
coniepience a numerous meeting of the inhabi-
tants of the parish was called on Monday last, the
9th instant, at the Camden Head Tavern, Bethna!-
green-road, to support him in his intention.
Mr. SAvAGF: was called to the Chair.

Mr. OWEN addressed the meeting, and pointed
out the illegal and unprincipled nature of the rate
sought to be levied, that out of 900/. collected in
the name of a church rate only about 20/. was de-
voted to the lawful repairs of the church, the rest
being expended in payment of 4001. a year to the
Rector, the conducting of public worship in the
new church, otherwise provided for, and other
similar purposes ; and though he would do so at a
risk of upwards of 70/. expense, he was determined
to try the question and pot an end to it, at the same
time he was confident he would be supported by
his fellow-parishioners; but whether or not, he
would try it.—(Great cheers.)
Mr. SllEvux, Mr. WALTON, and several other
respectable parishioners addressed the meeting, con-
demning the rate, and expressing a determina6on to
support Mr. Owen, who stood forward at great risk
in defence of a great public principle. Several re-
,iolutions were unanimously adopted, strongly con-
demnatory of the illegal church rate, the vexatious
conduct of the Churchwardens, and expressing a
determination to support Mr. Owen in trying the
question.
A Committee was formed to receive subscriptions,
and a handsome subscription entered into on the
spot. The unanimous thanks of the meeting were
given to Mr. Owen for the manly stand made on the
question. _ _

- The strongest feeling of disgust was evinced by
this numerous meeting against the attempt to levy
an illegal rate, and a firm determination expressed
of trying the question. From a repeated delay in
the suit sought by the Churchwardens, it is much
suspected that they hesitate to proceed, and only
mean the citation as a threat to induce timorous
parishioners to go on paying the rate; they are,
however, disappointed.