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and forced on the historian the duty of reflecting on the past, and collecting all the circumstances which could throw light upon the future. The reflections suited to the close of the reign of George III. are not very applicable to the conclusion of that which has just terminated; the literature, the policy, the feelings of the age have changed, and the system of education itself is undergoing a silent revolution. Abstruse science and the refinements of literature have found their way from the colleges to the schools, and the rising generation share largely in advantages, of which their predecessors were totally deprived. Impressed with these considerations, the present editor has deemed it necessary wholly to re-write the reigns of George III. and IV. in order to present, in a connected form, the successive links of that chain of events which unites the present condition of Europe with the American revolution. În performing this task, it has been his principal object to avoid giving offence to the feelings of any political party, and simply to detail the occurrences without any colouring which might prejudice or bias the youthful judgment. Youth is the season of warm feelings and strong passions; if these be stimulated by the virulence of party spirit, the consequence will necessarily be erroneous judgment, and still more erroneous conduct. There are, however, some political considerations which may be offered to the youthful mind, not only without injury, but with positive advantage, and these are, the necessity of cherishing love for all our fellow subjects, affection for the country that gave us birth, reverence for the constitution under which our fathers have lived happily, and transmitted the inheritance of freedom and equal laws to their descendants, obedience to the sovereign and rulers of the state; and, above all, a veneration for the principles of morality and religion, seeing we are informed, on the highest authority, that " Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is the ruin of a people.” These are the lessons which the present editor has been anxious to impress, however imperfectly, on the mind of the youthful student, conscious that, if successful, he shall have the proud reflection of having done some good in his generation, and that even if he fails his intention will bring its own reward.

To this edition has been added wood-cuts of the busts of the kings, collected from the most authentic sources, and executed with more care than is usually bestowed on the preparation of such illustrations.

London. Jan. 1. 1831.

W. C. TAYLOR.

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Engraved for Pinnocks improved Edition of Goldsmiths History of England.

INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER

EXPLANATORY OF THE

Edolatry of the Saxons or Ancient Britons.

THE idols which our Saxon ancestors worshipped were various; but those which are delineated in the Frontispiece, and from which the days of the week derive their names, were the principal objects of their adoration. Subjoined is a brief account of them.

The Idol of the SUN.

This idol, which represented the glorious luminary of the day, was the chief object of their adoration. It was placed in a temple, and there worshipped and sacrificed to; and they considered that the Sun in the firmament corresponded and co-operated with it. The first day of the week was especially dedicated to its adoration, which they termed the Sun's daeg: hence is derived the word SUNDAY.

The idol of the sun is described like the bust of a man, set upon a pillar; his face brightened, as it were, with the solar rays, and holding, with outstretched arms, a burning wheel before his breast; the wheel being intended to denote the course which they imagined the sun performed round the world; and his brightness, the light and heat with which he warms and cherishes the animal and vegetable world.

The Idol of the MOON.

The next, according to the course of the days of the week, was the Idol of the Moon, which they worshipped on the second day of the week, called by them Moon's daeg: and since by us, MONDAY.

The form of this idol is intended to represent a woman, habited in a short coat, and a hood, with two long ears. Her dress is altogether singular, and history does not inform us of the reason of her being so incongruously attired. The moon which she holds in her hand designates the quality.

The Idol of TUISCO.

TUISCO was deified as the first father and ruler of the Germans and Scythians: and it was a custom that prevailed

almost universally before the Pagan nations were converted to Christianity, to dignify such persons as had ruled and governed well, or distinguished themselves by heroic or beneficent acts, with the name, reputation, and reverence of gods or goddesses after their death. Thus Tuisco was at first deified, but in course of time he was worshipped as the son of the earth. From him came the Saxon words Tuisco's daeg, which we call TUESDAY, the day dedicated to the adoration and service of this idol.

He is represented standing on a pedestal, as an old venerable sage, clothed with the skin of an animal, and holding a sceptre in the right hand.

The Idol WODEN, or ODIN.

WODEN, or ODIN, was the supreme divinity of the Northern nations. This hero is supposed to have emigrated from the East, but from what country, or at what time, is not known. His exploits and adventures form the greatest part of the mythological creed of the Northern nations, and his achievements are magnified beyond all credibility. He is represented as the god of battles, and as slaughtering thousands at a blow. His palace is called Valhal, and is situated in the city of Midgard, where, according to the fable, the souls of heroes who had bravely fallen in battle, enjoy supreme felicity and repose. They spend the day in mimic hunting matches or imaginary combats. At night they assemble in the palace, where they feast on the most delicious viands, dressed and served up by the Valkyriæ, or virgins adorned with celestial charms, and flushed with the bloom of everlasting youth. They regale themselves with drinking mead (the nectar of the Scandinavian heroes) out of the sculls of those enemies whom they killed while on earth. The name of the fourth day of the week, called by the Saxons Woden's daeg, and by us WEDNESDAY, is derived from this personage.

Woden is represented in a bold and martial attitude, clad in armour, with a broad sword, uplifted, in his right hand.

The Idol THOR.

THOR, the eldest and bravest of the sons of Woden and Friga, was, after his parents, considered as the greatest god among the Saxons and Danes, while they continued heathens.

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