New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-06-05

The first volume OF this valuable work, when
we have already noticed, dealt with the carly
Colonial period Of our literature, from loo' 10
1875. The second, which we take up to-day Is
occupjed with Later Colonial literature, from lo'o
IN l7s4 while the third covers the stirring period
beginning with the passage of the Stamp Act and
ending with the adoption of the Federal Consti-
tuton--1 165-l 7ST.
The second volume necessarily presents less
variety OF contents than the first, but is full
of interest nevertheless Ii is prefaced with
Bishop Berkeleys poem On the Prospect OF
Planting the Arts and Learning in America
one line of which has become famous, Westward
the cause of empire takes its way The volume
opens with some pages of Michael Wigslesworth's
poem on the Day of DOOM" which pitches the
keynote of the theology occupying so large part
of the book One illustration will suffice. The
plea of the infants who died ere they trans
CREST" that though they arc condemned by Adams
sin. their guilt is not equal TO his, is thus an
swered by an ail-merciful God as the pious Wig
ellsworth conceived Him:
A Crime IL IS. therefore In bliss
you may not hope to dwell,
But unto you shall allow
the easiest room in He'll
Ficasanter reading is TO be found in Charles
Weslcy's Two Years Journal in New-lork. l'Ol,
wherein he describes early Knickerbocker customs.
Land, he mentions can be bought for twopencc
or threepence the acre; and he approves heartily
of the favorite Dutch exercise Of aurigation,
l. C., riding about in wagons also expressing his
delight in seeing men and women flying upon
their skates from place to place, with markets
upon their heads and backs" About ono hundred
pages are taken up with an account of the Salem
witchcraft delusion, compiled from the writings
OF the two MathcrS, Increase and Cotton, Deodat
Lawson, Robert Cacf and others This eXtraor-
binary episode in our Colonial history
which remains even now somewhat mysterious
may DC studied nowhere TO greater advantage
than in this compilation. We read of this strange
and cruel frenzy with the same horror and wonder
us IN reading of the noyades' of the French
Revolution. 10 take one case, what more pitiful
example of innocence and simplicity sacrificed
to brutal and ignorant clamor is there in history
than the death of Rebecca Nurse? The jury
acquitted her, in that terrifying hour Of
panic and passion At this there was great
outcry, because during the trial. when poor
wretch who had beer frightened into cOnfessng her
self witch. was brought in to testify against
the prisoners goodwife Nurse had said, What,
do you bring her? She is one of U.S. She meant
that the woman was one of the prisoners, and
therefore not proper witness. But the clamor
was that it meant they were all witches together.
The Jury were sent out again, and still could
not agree to convict her They returned to the
courtroom, and the poor woman was placed at
the bar, and not explaining her words was con-
Gemned Her subsequent declaration to the court
ended with these pathetic words: And L being
something hard Of hearing, and full of grief,
none informing me how the court took up my
words, and therefore had no opportunity to de-
clare what l intended when l said they were
Ofo D,,. 81.
thecss
most interesting character of that day was
Judge Samuel Scwall, whose confession of error
In this matter is found here, together with that
of Others. picturesque and moving figure the
Judge must have made standing III his place in
The church and listening with bowed head while
has confession was read. An anti-slavery tract
written by him in 700 is here, and there arc in
other places in these volumes pleasing evidences
that the anti-slavcry spirit showed itself early in
the Colonies. But the Judge is associated with
lighter themes The extract entitled How Judge
Scwall Courtcd Madame Winthrop" from the
Scwall Papers, published some years ago by the
Massachusetts Historical Society, is charming lit.
tic comedy of Colonial days. in which the sim
plicity Of the Judge makes satire unnecessary.
lie writes in his diary how he goes to see Madam
Winthrop and discusses with her the qualifications
TO the vacant place in his household. Finally he
proposed her own name She instantly took it
up in the way of Denyal as if she had catch'd at
an Opportunity TO do it, saying that she could not
do il before she was asked" She could not leave
her children. The widowcr was evidently conf
dent Of his ability to persuade her TO change her
mind said he would come again that day Sen
night" gave her n religious boolI-a frequent incl
dent apparently, in the courtslip Of those days
and took his leave In two days, however, he
was back again, but did not find her at home.
The next day he made another attempt. The
mddc-agcd woocr's blood was evidently up. He
was bound 10 win at any cost For he says,
gave Sarah Chiclerng, the Maid, 2s., Juno, who
brought in wood Is. Aftcrward the Nurse came
in; gave her sd, having other small Bill"
When the prudent Judge scattered bis money
about in this fashion, there was serious work afoot
lie made 10 progress, however, that night. al
though he says ! gave her piece Of Mr.
Bclcler's Cake and Ginger bread, wrapped up in
clean sheet of Paper Not even the thought that
they might help TO forward one another in their
Journey to Canaan" seems to have moved her. In
four days he was there again. Madam, he says
treated me with great deal Of courtesy; Wine
Marmalade." a practical Judgc--a Daniel come
90 Judgment lie made no visit the next day.
bat be must at least send letter, and persons
who would know how to write an exemplary love-
letter should study ths
Madam These wait or you with Mr. Mayhew's
Sermon, and Accom-; OF tho state of the Indians on
Matthias Vineyard. thank you for your unmcrltcd
Favoays OF yesterday and hope 10 have the HapPi-
ness OF Waiting You tomorrow before eight
o'clock afternoon. pray God 20 keep you and 10
give you JOYFUL entrance upon the Two Hundred
and ;wenty.nl1b year of Christopher Columbus his
Discovery and take Leave who am, Madam, Your
humble Serv't. B. >.
The next night tho Judge found Madam full Of
worl behind a Stand" Her Countenancc was
much changed from what twas on Monday;
look'd dark and lowering But at last, the
work black stuff or SILK taken away, got
my Chair in place, had some Converse, but very
Cold and indifferent TO what twas before. Askd
her to scquit me OF Rudeness if l drew of her
Glove. Euquirins the reason, told her twas