The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser. — 1842-11-18 (Liverpool, Merseyside, England)

MYSTERIOUS CIRCUMSTANCE.—PLYMOUTH, Nov. 14. On Friday evening, between sire and seven o'clock, John Burt, a deaf and dumb lad went to the Lambhay Point to observe the state of the weather, it being the intention of his master, the skipper of a trawler, to go to sea the next morning, should the weather be favourable. After remaining there a short time, he returned in a very agitated state, and by his gestures and entreaties induced a boatman to go back with him to the point, explaining by the way, in a manner intelligible to those who knew him, that some person had jumped overboard. The boatman, however, could perceive no indication of such an event, and this caused still more distress to the poor boy. He afterwards informed his father, an honest fisherman, that while standing on the point he observed a strange young man, about twenty years of age, in a retired part, apparently watching until the place should be deserted. The stranger then took his watch from his waistcoat pocket, observed the time, replaced it, and, first gazing intently on the moon, thrust his hands firmly in his side pockets, ran down the slope, jumped on a low wall, and fell face downwards on the steep rocks, upon the edge of which the wall is built. The boy Burt immediately leaped upon the wall, and clambering down the rocks went half into the water, and was just in time to seize the other by the collar of the coat. The suicide, whose forehead and cheeks were bleeding profusely, gnashed his teeth at his intended preserver, and with a menacing aspect compelled him to desist from his humane endeavours, lest his own life should be forfeited in the contest. The stranger sank near the rocks, and rose again out of reach, sank once more, and then disappeared. He was dressed in a peaked cap, with a leather strap beneath the chin, a pilot coat, and black trousers, and wore a silver guard to his watch. Boatmen have been since employed creeping for the body, but hitherto without success, and from the inequality of the ground, it is not likely to be recovered until the tides fall off.  ON A RECENT PRESENTATION TO A NEIGH BOURING CLERGYMAN  "veniente die  —Tea,—decedente, requiro."  Fish, flesh, and " bones," (with Butler!) being remov'd, (0 may we hope—the viands—were approv'd?) I think, dear sirs, we now shall all agree, To ring the bell, and order in the tea! (Don't make it strong, for I am rather nervous,) Pray have you seen friend H's handsome service? Tho' some indeed make very great objection, When clergy take such pledges of affection. Oft have I heard ascetic cynics stale Th' absurd unsuitability of plate Presented to a rector or a curate ; That, for their part, they never could endure it ; Perhaps—because not tempted—is the reason They think that such is e'er out of season ; Nor—deeming such an offer in futuro, At once exclaim, Nec nescio, nec curo ! As damsels' " I'll not marry" (if unmasked)— Means only this—not marry ('till I'm asked!) I don't make the assertion unawares— A tea-service has a reference to theirs. What are their duties? let us sum them up The law of God, is it—no "bitter cup ?" " Death in the pot—the Prophet's sons did shout, The Prophet's salt—the poison soon drew out ! Thus, the pure milk, the faithful pastor pours, Destroys the bitter, and a calm restores The Gospel sweets—of Gospel hope—supplies, He lives, who drinks ; the bitter only dies!  Another emblem may be thus applied, " Tried in the furnace as the Silver's tried ;" What juster emblem of the Pastor's life ? Incessant trials, and perpetual strife, For ever tempting in this vale of tears, " Without—are fightings—and within—are fears" (We cling, like Daniel's image, to the clay,) Which this, the " need be" furnace, takes away : Burns not the metal—only the refuse, To make us suited to our Master's use !  These—not unlike the ancient triple crown— Reflect a threefold lustre and renown. Here Christian kindness in the donors shine, Here Christian efforts (the recipients) twine; Here all unite in one harmonious voice, _  To praise th'lncumbent for so good a choice !