THE YOUTHS' MAGAZINE; OB, EVANGELICAL MISCELLANY. JULY, 1852. BRITISH TOMB. IN our February number we recorded a visit to the old British Necropolis, surrounding the mystic circle of Stonehenge. We have little doubt that this structure was associated with the rites of sepulture awarded to our grim forefathers before the Roman conquest of our island, though we cannot exactly tell in what relation it stood to the numerous barrows that stud the circumjacent plains. This much, however, we are well assured of, that sanguinary and sumptuous. rites attended the funerals of the old Britons. As at the present day, in Dahomey and the South Sea Islands, awful sacrifices of human life were usual on such occasions; the slaves and retainers of the deceased, as well as those who had been made his prisoners in battle, were offered up to propitiate the savage divinities of heathenism. Our engraving this month, affords a melancholy illustration of the fact. We owe it to the researches of Mr. Lukis of Guernsey, whose investigations have thrown much light on our Druidical remains. In the neighbouring island of Jersey, there were, within the last century or two, about fifty structures referable to that people, of which not more than five or six now exist. In Guernsey, this gentleman has thoroughly examined and explored about twenty in the course of as many years. In some of the barrows, kistvaens or stone chests, containing skeletons, have been found in a surprising state of preservation. Beneath the stones composing some of our Druidical circles, human remains have sometimes been discovered. "Under each of the twelve pillars of one of the circular temples of Iona, a human body was found to have been buried." But we need not hence conclude, that such structures were primarily sepulchres. The immolation of these victims formed merely part of the horrid rites of inauguration. Higgins, in his "Celtic Druids," supposes this barbarous custom to illustrate Joshua vi. 26; and its fulfilment, 1 Kings xvi. 34; but the whole tenor and connection of these texts, shews the absurdity of such a conjecture. In the Channel Islands skeletons are found in such positions as plainly indicate this conclusion. Those which are figured in our engraving, were not found in the central or chief chamber of the tumulus. They were placed beneath the stone marked B in the subjoined plan; the upper surface of which was just below the ground, and overlapped by the larger stone A. From their peculiar position, these skeletons were evidently placed there either alive, or while the limbs were yet supple, since it would be next to impossible for a person to die naturally in the position indicated. JOY. CHRIST prays, 26 Glorify me with Thine own self." God only can give true felicity. In his presence alone there is fulness of joy. There are sights which eye hath not seen, sounds which ear hath not heard, outgoings of soul which are unknown on earth; peace passing knowledge, rest unbroken, security unshaken, love immutable, joy unspeakable, in heaven; and yet, transcendently above all these, God himself is THE Light of it. LEISURE HOURS. TOO MANY, OR TOO FEW ? Examinations were over, and the pupils dispersed to their several homes, where the delight of meeting parents and friends fully equalled the half-year's anticipations. At length the whole round of relations had been visited, from grandpapa and grandmamma to the last new baby cousin; the old play ground, garden, and all their usual haunts had been explored, and the Great Exhibition admired, when even youthful spirits began to flag, and listlessness succeed to mirth. Most opportunely for a certain family, their house needed sudden repairs, and Mr. Ambrose gladly dispatched the whole party to the sea coast. Never was slight accident so welcome to any group; they all agreed that as no one was hurt they might lawfully rejoice in this unexpected acceleration of plans which had long been matured, and only awaited the seasonable moment for execution. The weather was charming-the scenery delightful-and the convenient railway trip so easy and so swift, that they pursued their journey in joyous hilarity. Then there was the pleasant bustle of seeking a temporary abode, and settling into the snug little cottage rooms, which inexperienced enthusiasm pronounced infinitely preferable to the rambling old saloons of the paternal mansion. Even discomforts and annoyances were voted "delectable," under the guise of novelty! Mamma smiled, well knowing that their admiration would prove but transient; and sure enough, when the beach and the cliffs had been thoroughly perambulated, the demon of leisure time, Ennui, with his ill-favoured attendants of irritability, contention, indolence, detraction, &c., speedly appeared in the family circle. Mrs. Ambrose, like a wise mother, strove to keep all these intruders at bay by suggesting occupations, and furnishing materials of divers kinds, such as were appropriate to the holidays, which she wished her children to spend agreeably, as well as profitably; but, with the most judicious care and assistance from elder friends, unless young people themselves will repel the attacks of these insidious enemies, it will be impossible to banish them entirely. For once, "Time seemed to have lagged his lazy wing," ―till one morning Matilda yawningly exclaimed, “ The first of July! how melancholy! It seems so near the end of the holidays when July comes.' 66 "For my part," replied Laura, "I am so much happier when I have plenty of business that must be done, I am never sorry when school-time returns, except for the grief of leaving Papa and Mamma, and the dear little nursery chicks at home." Well, really Laura,” added Arthur, "I am half glad to get back to the office, for I have always a secret suspicion that I am not clever enough to improve leisure hours, so Papa is very wise to allow us very few! But here comes dear Aunt Susy. Let us ask her opinion, for nobody manages time better than she does." "Aunt Susy was a maiden lady, scarcely yet past the prime of life, but delicate health had prematurely sprinkled a few snow flakes among her fine black hair, and singular vicissitudes had enlarged her experience both of trouble and joy. She resided alone; but her house was the constant resort of brothers and sisters, nephews and neices, who claimed her sympathy upon all occasions. During the summer months she occupied apartments in a sea-side house, whose inmates hailed her presence as one of their greatest pleasures; but she had been absent when the Ambroses had arrived in her neighbourhood. By this time she had passed through the garden, and received the affectionate greetings of our young friends, who prevailed on her to spend the day with them, and wander hither and thither to their favorite nooks, which she did, till even Aunt Susy's complacency was compelled to confess fatigue, and crave rest. George found a mossy seat for her in a green knoll, shaded by overhanging rocks of varied hue, and fenced by foliage of every tint, while Arthur climbed the heights in quest of refreshment; and as they regaled themselves with his supplies, each told the budget they had treasured up for the indulgent ear of their gentle monitress. Aunt Susy could not |