The Sun.
London, England, 1818-03-26 00:00:00

THE THEATRE.

n"lc-"elropilar Novel of ROB Roy 1)/15 excited so
h attention that our theatrical Managers have
liav !'"ered into a competition on the subject. We
that `VorHiteatly no.iced the Drama extracted from
performed at Covent-garden Their-
sal,' "I, we have now to announce one under rite
title, with the addition of The Gre-
iial,rac,ll' which was last night brought forward at
to-01:1val house. The Author, in a short preface
liti,tiv??hgs,introticed in the piece, candidly aco-_
the edges that he has made very little use t
“riOnal Novel, and has even given a new
tliZivrg to the respective characters. Surely
the not a judicious plan. The characters in
tril,l-;"0 were fixed, their qualities well known,
t, their .
►actions on the stage otight consequently
Ikave been founded on those known characteis and
'l4l.lities_, and it would have been more politic to
tion,,are changed their names, and not harie an:
th-e'llced the Play as bearing any connexion will
de-,(4iginal work, as its title imports, its the an-
ofucecoining with a particular expectation, Must,
cool
vrse, feel a disappointment. There is inoch
i•
to disappointment.the writing of the Piece of last night,
(', the Author, in many of his figures, chews
tnitolei,g3llafrnotolintrialegination ; but the
Novel are obstacles
wivtdrehic(liievtilaie
intl and feelings cannot well sulmooht.—
4
lie.folloyeing brief account of the plot wall serve
the lowing
our Readei's how far the play differs from
tv:5.1.,117e1, and as the .latter has been so popular,
under the head of our LITERARY RE-
.
take the first opportunity of inserting an
srae-i'lalc criticism on the latter, for wer
r illulebted to an intelligent alit] ingemous Co -
e4-141(411t. The Managers have done all that
beat, .he required of them in point of costume and
Z.."(II and picturesque scenery, and the Per-
re's were equally zealous to do justice to the
ati1vi1;1%,,... Mr. Jon sesToN acquit Lid himself
44; Rob Roy, aid WALLACK was poxer:ully
trib""111 in the part of Dugalq. Miss SNI!TII-
Perhas by no Means uninteresting in Diana
r • As to Mrs. GLOVER, who is one
very best general Actresses new on
11,4 Leindon Boards, she deserves •high praise,eeq{
fdY or the versatility of her talents,.- which
tsi,,.ellresent with ease, spirit, and humour. the
Itilles of genteel life, and the daring energy
e of
i`eibelyic female in the uncultivated wilds of
Hr r performance last.night was marked
savaue dignity which took a strong
i,11140 ;6 feelings. The other characters were also
I)4leetahly supported, partictilarlya ci,ning York-
ity,ellian by KNIGHT, - The Prologue was spoken
krjji• KNIGHT, and the Eoilie?tre by WALLACK
11.4
(\ NIGHT. The Play did not experience
.4 ta-
-4.4446 reception,_ during its progress, or when.to4:l'll''e'l for repetition, but with some
411
wiP
trunca-
‘vhich the length of •the .ece will admit,
>lrv.l"
•
lich in some parts are essentially required,
it 4 Probably rise above opposition, and ar.
lenriosity. It is said, that another play ,
tibril from C,e same novel, and faithtnl to its,
l'h,""rci characters, was also presented to the
that the Committee of Managers sat in
• upon hoth, and that the first decision
ten t,.(1, 14`41itr of the
.piece which was not rePre-
sls• „ r Why then should the other not he tried
babh, Its fidelity to the original work would pro-
' ehstireit a favourable reCept ion.

BRIGH'fON, NlAnca 24.
1"n, the architect, arrived at the Pawl-
ay.The. improvements are extensive,
tett t!'e whole are rapidly going or,. It is not as-
thi,iaineti when the PRINCE REGENT will hollolll*
~1114ee With his presence. Sailing excursions
Iterr
o.:',"liitted as intended to form a part of the
amusement during the summer.
fl.,()Pt ies 4;4,', Easter Tuesday, being the annual day
of a new Cons,gble here, a.
t~et'`iasheld at the Town Hall to-flay,
"11% JOkiN WILLIAMS resigned his .st.ilf of
k
was suc('eeded, wit!) unanimous eon-
-4:11 Mr. RICHARD Bonus. The assembkge
11,4,_44)yr0u5, and the new Constable and his
(hued together at the Call le.
LAn.

10.1 4:1A111•ING 11 VSE AT BOTANY BAY.---By the
%I.44,Pets received front New South %Vales, we
it "'at some of the principal inhabitants of
‘tiiNh..ktittiel.nent have lately formed themselves into
ti:Oqiti)g Company, and have obtained for that
kiAtitt-. from Governor-Lien,!rat Macquarie, a
utl4l of incorporation, with the accustomed
1.0,41 Plivileges, and immunities, usually be-
-14,,/ql4 tlinth such a body. by a series of Res°.
4) tt' Published in the Gazette of that Colony,
Ii thlllt that (heir funded capital must nor be
b acts4l„ 20,000/., to he raised in transferable
stiN:f 501.. each, and the general obtect and
ttrt.*acy-'4 the bank to he, to establish a sterling
144 41 the: circulating medium, for the use
Ottit cnitniy, and to advance, upon due
11(41: anti the credit of the Bank, pecuniary
to the colonial trader, agriculturist, and
ItOty- '1 likewise to afford a safe depositary of
1i4314:41-Itatitted to its security and charge. A
t 144eq. of this kind, established upon a solid
014 t %I • 14),And conducted upon lair and equitable
iO
flihi; ns• has long been a desideratum's in that
pion, the circulating medium of wbich has,
4.ss greater part, consisted hitherto of the
fm: 1P v„,clrY notes, of individuals, fluctuating in
Ls~l'trtt e, subject to continual forgeries, and
from the unprincipled conduct of the
i 1.. of
no more worth than waste paper.
' paA rut stimidated probably by
ILeil
.ltlolll which this country is fitting out
I,l* 'Northern regions, is also et-pipping a vessel
Ft,irr.'e same destination. It is to sail in the
•
j tarrtage of the Princess ELIZABETH and
i 144 ""ce 01. IlEsse-llomßoutto does not take
the Sixth, but on the Seventh of April
41'he Grand Masquerade and splendid
to be given On Monday, the m( Sixth f
tl'e King's Theatre, Haymarket, in ho-
iiit
t"/ their approaching marriage, pet baps gave
ht,the report.
t • he, The boxes, we understarid,
already in the greatest demand, by per-
'h"l the tire highest rank Ism' fashion, to view this
,Ihtt• Prtva(e parties innumerable
:4414, 'lee" dererred, in consequence of the vast
of pre-en....
411 adgctllents to this superb enter-

POETRY.

THE• CHURCH-A DIALOGUE.

CaußcH I reverence.
C.—Stoi—tOo vague you write—
Throw on your words a somewhat more of light;
Lest, from their being indistinctly seeii,
I should suppose them what you do not mean.

P.—Thanks for your care—the paitis that it may cost
To Make me clearer will not quite be lost.
By Church I pray you, then, to understand
The Church established in our happy land :
That Church it is I love—not with a zeal
Which artful knaves or senseless bigots feel,
But with a preference founded o❑ its worth.-
That
Church which spreads rich blessings o'er the earth—
Whose Members, free front pharisaic leaven,
Do not think their's the only road to Heaven;
But do avet, with proudly conscious breast,
If not the only, 'tis by far the best.

C.—Best ! Aye—Religionists of every name,
Turk, Brahmin, Jew, will tell you all the same—
Such their helief—but in the world to fix it,
Asks better ground than their mere. ipse din t.
Christian myself, I willingly concede,
Tho' they may not, we have the better Creed ;
Harder to tell for one who deep reflects
Which is the best of varying- Christian Sects.

P.—'Tis strange that men by such plain doctrines gui
Could into Sects and Patties have divided !
Still stranger that, THE Goset,;i. in their view,
They could each other with such hate pursue !
Yet, thus they do—thus have they done of old—
Thus that they would do, Cultist. himself foretold—
And nought !Nitre clearly spews ma's's fallen state,
Than that he harbours such unchristian hate ;
And from the very Book of Peace and Life
Searches tor texts to sanction death and strife.
Oh ! what can to such full conviction prove
How much men needed Clintsfs redeeming. love,
Than that he can such precious love pervert,
And what was meant to heal can turn to hurt !
That love of CHRIST, whose saving blood was shed,
,That man might live, although by trespass dead—
That love it is which forms the Christian's trust,
Who sees thro' that Redemption for the just.
To all who have such faith, I ran extend.
The hand of fellowship, and call them friend !
Altho. in minor matters of belief,
(Owning atonement thro' Clialsr's Blood the chief,)
As well as modes of governing the Church,
I think, of all the forms which meet my search,
Examined every way, by every test,
EPISCOPACY, as here fixed. the best.
Episcopacy, which in temporal things
Does not dispute supremacy with Kings,
And dreading not the lights which Papists hide
Bids all assume the Gospel for their guide.

C.—Bishops—Archhishops in a pompous train !
Say what by such weak vanities you gain.
Great is the cost of this parade and she*,
I3ut what the benefits I have to know.

P.—Examine, blame, confute—but do not sneer,
This caution given, how its uses hear—.
In all professions 'tis of great avail
To have a gradual ascending scale,
Where men may see some object of desire
Aliove than plac'd to which they May aspire.
Chin chwen, whose views are fixed above the skies,
Lass need the stimulus of cart hiy prize;
But who ►would argue that it were not right
E'en then by human motives to excite ?
That they would not a higher worth attain
Whets honours here attend in Virtue's train ?

C.—And can you think the mitre only plac'd
Upots the head: of those with virtue grac'd ?

P.—So think I not—'tis certain worthless men

Flare sometimes worn it, and may wear again;
This is a consequence which ever springs
From that abuse attending Lutuan things.
Out rules.against exceptions stand—the few
Whom uncles,' ring of their rank we view,
Are nothing to the many more who, great •
By worth and talents, honor their high state.
Nor is this due adjustment of-rewards
Its sole advantage--it makes churchmen Lords—
Giving them e'en in Government to bear
A just tho' not preponderating share.
hus Priests, by virtue made, not nobles born,
The feasts of nobles chasten and adorn ;
Nor at the Church alone, but social board
To high and low their pastoral cares afford—
So that the highest, in their height of pride,
High as themselves can find some spiritual guide.
In ruling too the Church, as well as State,
Superior rank confers superior weight—
Thus. as we shonhl to Church affairs annex
No less than civil various aids and checks,
That plan, where duties in progression rise
From Deacon to Archbishop, scents most wise,
In which both moti vi-s human and divine,
All to produce the same good end combine.

C.—Hey-day!—why you think Bishops such fine things,
That in my mind a slight suspicion springs,
You must be one amongst the reverend fry
Who have at mitres cast a longing Nye.
'Tis no new sight to ee how noes will fawn
When grasping at ski distant sleeves of lawn;

P.—As Critics should be vers'd, you seem in gibe,
For sneering is the badge of all the tribe.
Who for a lack of argument ❑e'er stop,
But hints, and dark insinuations drop.
Pursue your course—the world will justly rate
Both coo and all the yelpersof the State.
liaow then, that I, at whom you point your scorn,
The sacred robes of priesthood nc'er hive worn,
Tho' it would he my utmost pride to wear
Its badge and do its duties—could 1 dare
Think myself fit the sacred charge to fill—
But this asks so subdued and pure a will.
'Tis such an awful thing God's word to teach
That I should tremble- whilst I rose to preach.
And bad I, by some Bishop's hand ordain'd,
This greatest height of my ambition gain'd,
I should not emulate that Bishop's place,
Nor the seducing greeting of voile Grace,
but quite content in some small village Care
Where nothing could from Virtue's path allure,
Should keep the noiseless tenor of my way."
Confirm the good, the sinner teach to pray;
Peace and good will amongst my flock maintain,
And fix their hopes beyond this world of pain.

C—Bravo! and fat a pig—and graze some sheep,
,Inri preach your hearers and yourself to sleep.
Thus, as your Statesmen talie a nap in place,
Thus do your Reverend Drones, in every case,
Who, when a Patron, College Chula may give
A Living; think they've nought to do but live—.

Alert,

I.or if aught else—to sharp their holy scythes,
And make the most of garden, glebe, and tythes.
However much their hearers may complain,
Preach well or ill—where fixed they;oust remain.
When Lawyers plead their client's causes ill,
A want of briefs will punish want of skill.
Fame, and the highest IMnours of the State,
The Orators of Parliament await.
Thus Bar and Parliament incite men on .
By powerful motives•=-but the Church haS none.

P—Has none—didst say? True none that thou canst feel,
Whose soul is callous to all holy zeal.
Yet know, vain scoffer, there are men who strive
To save the harden'd sinner's soul alive,
With motives, and in words surpassing thine, .
As ranch as human is below divine.
Thy thoughts sink down to petty worldly strife,-
W Lilst theirs soar upwal ds to eternal life.

C—These pompons Motives drawn from world to come,
Upon my faith have almost struck the dumb.
But with .:our leave, we will from heaven descend
And whilst on earl h to earthly things attend.
What think,you then of Hist vain rf petition,
Which mars your book of prayers—with due submission ?
This u'er again, and every day tlor, same,
E'en were they not, would make them more than tame.

P.—Shame on the man! on him again cry shame !

Who can so speak, in such irreverend tone,
Of prayers which Angels might not blush to own !
Thanksgivings. breat with heavenly eloquence,
And prayers, where fervour ne'er forgets plain sense !
'Tis true each day of service they return,—
"l'is true these prayers in infancy we learn—
But move they le'ss, because they cross the mind,
With mother's kiss and tender looks combin'd ?
Because from childhood we those prayers have said,
With minus warmth, before we sought our bed ?
Will they less move, because in every grief
We oft have from them sought and found relief?
No—all these sweet associat'ons tend
To make them gain more certainly their end;
And to the scoffer woe !—woe to the fooi
\Vim has pro'aii'd them ; who, a party tool,
Has on them thrown his senseless ridicule—
Or rather aimed to throw—they stand so high,
They may his shafts and parodies defy.
Of all tk' emotions, or of joy or woe,
Which agitate us mortals here below,
Not one there is, or sprung from joys or cares,
Which is not met within our book of prayers;
So much thro' all the varied heart they range.
With seeming sameness there is so much change,
That all the-thonsands in our churches kneeling,
Whose bosoms thrill with every varied feeling,
Each one will hear within the sacred place,
Some prayer that meets his own peculiar case ;—• •
And better surely this, than wait a Call,
Which if withheld there is no prayer at all ;
Or leave the Priest, in Calvinistic eatise,
To pour his thoughts spontaneous iLs they rise,—
Whose self-effusions, as they take their tone,
Not from his hearer's feelings, but his own,
Cannot so well suit all assembled there,
As prayers compos'd with that especial care,
Which are, moreover, with responses mixed,
To rouse the mind and keep attention fixed;—
Much to it checks each wandering thought and look,
To have before the eye the holy book.

C.—ln troth, a sweet oration you have made,
Enough to tire—too little to persuade—
So 1, mv jaws front fearful yawn to save,
Ail further notice of that topic wave :..

And ask yon what yon think'of tame di.•clurse,
(fly reading made so, e'en tho' wrote with force,)
Where preachers, spite of all their effints cold,
Attempt to glow with passion four days old ;
And when they want expressions for it, look
Not in their glowing hearts, but on their I).iok.
And should theta happeo by some sad mischance, •
To lose their place and misdirect their glance,
Their words with sta•.imering hesitation drop,
Or, dire disaster! altogether stop.

P.—When this is so, I grant 'tic cad indeed !
Nay, more than this I willingly concede,
That when the thoughts, in nervon, language dress'd,
Flow without effort, 'hen that mode is best,
Which, never needing previous preparation,
Pitts a sure ft nst present inspiration.
But oh! how few those favour'd Sons of Heaven,
To whom such powers of eloquence are given !
Yet some there are,—some too Whom I have heard,
Whose soul comes forth with every glowing word,
Who lead their hearers onwards in their course,
As if impell'd by some electric force.
Sweet to hear such I But of far different sort
Are most of those who in this 'nude exhort :
,-'Their sermons learn'd by rote, and not by heart,
Front memory, not with feeling, they impart:
And should that fail, oh! then, what dire dismay!
I say,-1 was about to say,—
Are stammer'd forth, with uprais'd hand and head,
As if in search of what they should have said;
Awhile they add confusion to confusion,
Then, all in vain, conclude without conclusion.
Better, tho' tamely, read what first we write,
Than thus with,bungling awliwardnes4 recite:—
But why suppose that reading must be tame ?
Whenc'er *tis so, give him that reads the blame.
Besides, the genius of diviner mould
Need not by written fetters be controul'd—..
But when he feels the vivid impulse urge,
May virtue laud or vicious folly scourge.
With words his present energies inspire,
Whilst they who never feel the hallOw'dfive,
Contented with the crowd to read their best,
In humble mediocrity may rest.
Thus common men keep wearer what is right.
And genius is not fetter'd in his flight.

C. —Your prejudices are, I see, too strong,
Ever to own yourself or party wrong;
"risneedless, then, our contest to pursue,—
Wishing y.ur brain may clear, 1 hid adieu.

P.—Farewell! and with you my best wishes take;
117hoe'er is-wrong—may he that wrong forsake'.
Whoe'r r is right—may hr to right adhere!
In ail our dcruhts, thus much at least is clear
:--
From dust all sprang—all will return to dust—
And all who firm in their Redeemer twat,
• Will rise to joys eternal with the lost.
If we act right, and this faith warms our heart,
We may disputs,•but are nut far apart.
PHILECCLESIAST.

REGISTER OF FASHION.

FASHIONABLE ARRIVALS.

Lord. and Lady. Bury, at the Countess Dowager of Albe-
marle's, in Berkeley-square ; Mrs. Boscawen; in Pall-mall;
Lady. Emma Edgcumbe, at the Earl of Mount Edgcumbe's, in
John-street, Berkeley-square; Mrs. Methuen, in Upper Gros-
venor-street; Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, in South Audley-street;
Captain Harney, Private Secretary to the Duke of Kent, at
Kensington Palace, from Brussels; Viscount and Viscountess
Hampden, in Green-street, Park-lane; Mr. and Mrs. Dorrie❑
Magens and Miss Magens, in Gloucester-place; Mr. and Mrs.
Cholmondeley, in Great Cumherland-street; Countess Dow-
ager of Mansfield and the Ladies Murray, in Seymour-place ;
Baron Wolfe, in Welbeck-street ; Earl and Countess of Car-
digan and Lady Harriet Brudenell, in Portman-square; Mar-
quis and Marchioness of Downshire, at Mivart's Hotel ;
Viscount arid Viscountess Dungannon, in Grafton-street'
Berkeley-square; Viscount Keith, in Harley-street; Countess
Dowager of Pembroke and Miss Jennison, in Cavendish-
square.