DOI issue:
September 22, 1855
DOI Page / Citation link:https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.16616#0134
m PUNCH, OR THE LONDON CHARIVARI. [September 22, 1855.
SCENE ON THE ENGLISH COAST.
A SPLENDID SPECIMEN OF CANT.
We have a contemporary calling itself the Christian Cabinet— a title
which conveys an insinuation againstLobdPalmerston's Government.
This journal is addressed to mechanics and labourers, whom it professes
to supply with news of a general character, and articles imbued with
Christian sentiment. A paper, assuming the prefix of Christian, of
course intends thereby to distinguish itself from the rest of the news-
paper-press, the larger portion of which claims, though it does not
arrogate, that epithet. It might be surmised that the Christianity of
such a paper would be something peculiar. AVhether that, is the case
may perhaps appear from the following taste of its quality:—
Idol Worship in England.—To the Editors of the Christian Cabinet.—It cannot
he denied that idol worship is greatly on the increase in this country. Let any
thoughtful person go to the British Museum, and observe the earnest gaze of the people
at the hideous idols which have been brought into this country at an enormous expense
to the nation."
But why not rather ascribe the "earnest gaze" to interest in objects
which illustrate and attest Scripture, than to idolatry ? The letter, of
which the above is the charitable and rational commencement, proceeds
in the ensuing language of modesty and humility :— •
" Why were those abominations of a wicked nation brought into this land to be a
blot upon its fair escutcheon, and to bring down the wrath of the Almighty upon us, by
war, disease, and taxation ? "
The signature attached to this sensible epistle is J. Lane. Mrs. Lane
—for the sex of this writer must be female and her age advanced—is a
cool old lady to pretend to a knowledge, which of course must be of a
prophetic nature, that Mr. Latard's bulls have brought upon us the
Russian war. We expect that J. Lane will shortly give herself out as
the successor of J. Sotjthcote.
Poor old Mrs. Lane continues—
" Let the people destroy those idols, and level them with the dust."
Pair, but anile iconoclast! But how is your advice, Goody Lane, to
be followed by the people without resistance to the powers that be,
which include policemen, besides the soldiers who mount guard at the
gate ef the British Museum ? Now, Mrs. Lane, you know what is
the penalty in such case made and provided by a higher Court than
even that of Parliament
Goody Lane then moderates the rancour of her pen ; and her next
suggestion is less dangerous, if not much more reasonable.
" Let tables he placed in those magnificent rooms, and cover them with religious
books and papers for the spiritual improvement, daily, of the people."
There is one thing to be said in favour of this proposal. The rooms
certainly would not be overcrowded, and it would be possible for the
frequenters of these religious reading rooms to pursue their studies
without the slightest mutual interruption. But we are afraid that this
plan would involve the presentation of the sack to Signor Panizzi.
We do not know what are the views of that gentleman as to the religious
character of literature, but apprehend that_ they would at least differ
from those of Mrs. Lane. On that question the Public, moreover,
would entertain some diversity of opinion.
Mrs. Lane adds the following piece of advice:—
" Let a large organ be placed in the rooms, that the people may hear solemn music,
at least once a-week."
But the people can do that already. At St. Paul's and Westminster
Abbey there is an anthem and chanting every day. Besides, there is
very solemn music in Le Prophete, which they have frequent oppor-
tunities of hearing, also in Robert le Liable. There is some deeplysoiemn
music in the Zauberflote: and the opening of the overture to Der
Freischiitz is marvellously solemn. But Mrs. Lane, we suppose, dis-
approves of the theatre, and disapproves equally of cathedrals.
Mrs. Lane's last recommendation is, that all Christians should pray
for peace. Very proper. We trust, too, that she will in future hold
her own. By printing that venerable lady's letter the Christian Cabinet
appears to participate in her sentiments on the subject of sculpture.
But then it ought to style itself the Mahometan Cabinet rather than the
Christian—save that all enlightened Turks have by this time outgrown
the old fanaticism of Islam in regard to imitative art.
Wiseman and St. Winifred.
Once upon a time, James the Second turned aside from a progress
to visit the well of St. Winifred, in order to supplicate the Saint to
bless him with an heir to the English throne. A few days ago, Doctor
Wiseman, it is said, not only visited St. Winifkeb's wa'ers, but bathed
in them ! Is the Pope in want of another son to the " true " Church ?
SCENE ON THE ENGLISH COAST.
A SPLENDID SPECIMEN OF CANT.
We have a contemporary calling itself the Christian Cabinet— a title
which conveys an insinuation againstLobdPalmerston's Government.
This journal is addressed to mechanics and labourers, whom it professes
to supply with news of a general character, and articles imbued with
Christian sentiment. A paper, assuming the prefix of Christian, of
course intends thereby to distinguish itself from the rest of the news-
paper-press, the larger portion of which claims, though it does not
arrogate, that epithet. It might be surmised that the Christianity of
such a paper would be something peculiar. AVhether that, is the case
may perhaps appear from the following taste of its quality:—
Idol Worship in England.—To the Editors of the Christian Cabinet.—It cannot
he denied that idol worship is greatly on the increase in this country. Let any
thoughtful person go to the British Museum, and observe the earnest gaze of the people
at the hideous idols which have been brought into this country at an enormous expense
to the nation."
But why not rather ascribe the "earnest gaze" to interest in objects
which illustrate and attest Scripture, than to idolatry ? The letter, of
which the above is the charitable and rational commencement, proceeds
in the ensuing language of modesty and humility :— •
" Why were those abominations of a wicked nation brought into this land to be a
blot upon its fair escutcheon, and to bring down the wrath of the Almighty upon us, by
war, disease, and taxation ? "
The signature attached to this sensible epistle is J. Lane. Mrs. Lane
—for the sex of this writer must be female and her age advanced—is a
cool old lady to pretend to a knowledge, which of course must be of a
prophetic nature, that Mr. Latard's bulls have brought upon us the
Russian war. We expect that J. Lane will shortly give herself out as
the successor of J. Sotjthcote.
Poor old Mrs. Lane continues—
" Let the people destroy those idols, and level them with the dust."
Pair, but anile iconoclast! But how is your advice, Goody Lane, to
be followed by the people without resistance to the powers that be,
which include policemen, besides the soldiers who mount guard at the
gate ef the British Museum ? Now, Mrs. Lane, you know what is
the penalty in such case made and provided by a higher Court than
even that of Parliament
Goody Lane then moderates the rancour of her pen ; and her next
suggestion is less dangerous, if not much more reasonable.
" Let tables he placed in those magnificent rooms, and cover them with religious
books and papers for the spiritual improvement, daily, of the people."
There is one thing to be said in favour of this proposal. The rooms
certainly would not be overcrowded, and it would be possible for the
frequenters of these religious reading rooms to pursue their studies
without the slightest mutual interruption. But we are afraid that this
plan would involve the presentation of the sack to Signor Panizzi.
We do not know what are the views of that gentleman as to the religious
character of literature, but apprehend that_ they would at least differ
from those of Mrs. Lane. On that question the Public, moreover,
would entertain some diversity of opinion.
Mrs. Lane adds the following piece of advice:—
" Let a large organ be placed in the rooms, that the people may hear solemn music,
at least once a-week."
But the people can do that already. At St. Paul's and Westminster
Abbey there is an anthem and chanting every day. Besides, there is
very solemn music in Le Prophete, which they have frequent oppor-
tunities of hearing, also in Robert le Liable. There is some deeplysoiemn
music in the Zauberflote: and the opening of the overture to Der
Freischiitz is marvellously solemn. But Mrs. Lane, we suppose, dis-
approves of the theatre, and disapproves equally of cathedrals.
Mrs. Lane's last recommendation is, that all Christians should pray
for peace. Very proper. We trust, too, that she will in future hold
her own. By printing that venerable lady's letter the Christian Cabinet
appears to participate in her sentiments on the subject of sculpture.
But then it ought to style itself the Mahometan Cabinet rather than the
Christian—save that all enlightened Turks have by this time outgrown
the old fanaticism of Islam in regard to imitative art.
Wiseman and St. Winifred.
Once upon a time, James the Second turned aside from a progress
to visit the well of St. Winifred, in order to supplicate the Saint to
bless him with an heir to the English throne. A few days ago, Doctor
Wiseman, it is said, not only visited St. Winifkeb's wa'ers, but bathed
in them ! Is the Pope in want of another son to the " true " Church ?