situations that are low and subject to inundation, on thé banks of rivers, and on rich, moist, and clayey soils, after rainy seasons, vegetable decomposition, under the influence of a burning sun, is perpetually going on. The same cause which renders vegetation exuberant tends also to generate immense swarms of reptiles and insects, the exuvia and dead bodies of which, mingling with vegetable matter in a state of decay, and conjoined with moisture, give rise to effluvia of a much more noxious description than those which arise from vegetable decomposition alone. The evil is increased still more by the dense and low jungles with which these countries abound. Immersed in a moist, rich, absorbent soil, the stagnant atmosphere over them is seldom renewed, and therefore loaded with exhalations from both the above sources. Few persons unaccustomed to hot climates can visit such places at the close of the day, during the night, or in the morning, without experiencing the effects they usually produce; there is perhaps scarcely an instance of an individual having slept for a single night in a place so circumstanced, without suffering for his temerity. On a similar account, the neighbourhood of rice-plantations, which are always under alternate inundation and cultivation, is usually very unhealthy; and the white inhabitants of districts surrounded by or abounding with them, are always more sickly than others. The precautions, therefore, that require to be attended to by temporary residents in cold countries, are few and simple. To the most important of them, sufficiently warm clothing, an adequate supply of animal food, and active exercise, we have already alluded. Two others only need be noticed in this place. It has been well ascertained, that the injurious effects of cold are less likely to be experienced when the body has been previously heated to any extent short of perspiration. The practice of persons cooling themselves gradually before exposure to the external atmosphere has originated in error. The best protection from the bad consequences of the change is found in a vigorous circulation and a hot dry skin. This principle has long been acted upon in Russia by those engaged in fishing for the caviare sturgeon, and who are obliged to remain even for some time under water, whilst the surface is covered with ice; they find it necessary to raise their temperature in a heated apartment before as well as after going into the water. When a person, having treated himself in the above manner, puts on sufficient additional clothing upon going out-paying particular attention to keep up the warmth of the extremities, and not to inhale more of the cold air than is indispensable-he uses the best possible means of defence. It should likewise be borne in mind, that after the body has been exposed to severe cold, there is much danger in the rapid application of heat, or even in the administration internally of strong stimulants. The impression upon the system produced by cold gives rise to reaction, which, unless kept within proper bounds, may produce the most injurious consequences. Friction of the surface by means of the warm hands of two or three attendants, or with warm flannels, may be employed, but no farther measures used unless in a very gradual manner, except indeed in extreme cases, where life appears nearly extinct. Then hot blankets and hot fomentations should be used, or the warm air, vapour, or water bath may be resorted to; but even in this case, when the heat and action of the system begin to return, care is especially necessary lest the excitement rise to an immoderate degree. The local effect of cold, or what is usually denominated a frost-bite, must be treated in the same manner. The usual expedient of rubbing the part with snow is the best that can be adopted; if heat be applied, not only will the part affected be destroyed, but the adjacent surface may be ultimately lost. But emigrants to hot countries have especial need to attend to precautionary measures of another class, not less founded on the physiological laws of the system, the necessity for which may not so immediately strike an ordinary observer, but which are of greater importance still. First of all, are those which may be included under the one term, temperance; a very moderate use of animal food, and a nearly total abstinence from alcoholic and stimulating liquids. We have already seen, that a large proportion of vegetable food is as much required to constitute a healthy diet for the inhabitants of hot countries as a similar supply of animal food is in cold countries. Such are the laws by which animal heat is regulated, that indulgence in the flesh of animals to any great extent has a direct tendency to aggravate all the injurious effects of warm climates. The but too common use of ardent spirits, or of wine, is yet worse. "I ter of surprise that such imprudence often leads to the most disastrous results. One more caution, which likewise deserves to be mentioned, is to avoid taking any quantity of cold liquid, when perspiring freely after much exhaustion and fatigue. By its neglect many lives have been sacrificed. Another consideration connected with the relation between climate and health, is, the extent to which a change may be rendered available for the removal of disease, or the prevention of it in the predisposed, in particular instances. Although, as a general rule, the climate to which any one has been accustomed is that to which his constitution is the most adapted, since both hot and cold countries have their specific diseases, it does appear rational to suppose, that a change, within certain limits, may sometimes be beneficial. And if this advantage has been much overrated, the supposition has been undoubtedly confirmed by fact. It is remarkable, too, that the greatest amount of benefit from this source has been experienced in the most hopeless of all diseases, pulmonary consumption, if only it has been resorted to in time; which unhappily is but too seldom the case. aver," says Dr. Mosely, "from my own knowledge and custom, as well as from the custom and observation of others, that those who drink nothing but water are but little affected by the climate, and can undergo the greatest fatigue without inconvenience." Nothing tends so directly to induce mild but copious perspiration, and to reduce the temperature to the natural standard, as the free use of cold water. Dr. Johnson mentions the case of a gentleman, remarkable for considerable talent, and an even flow of spirits, and whose health and vivacity had never failed during a long residence in India. "He disclosed to me," he adds, "the secret" of all this "by assuring me he had drank nothing but water for many years; that, in consequence, his health is excellent, his spirits free, and his mental faculties unclouded, although far advanced in Time's list." The occasional use of wine under circumstances of fatigue and exhaustion may doubtless be beneficial; but the above may be taken as a good example, and no solitary one, of what may be effected by habitual abstinence. If the effect of wine and spirits upon the human frame enable a person to resist the influence of contagion, miasmata, and other morbid causes, it is only during the continuance of the excite- Without entering into the rationale of ment, after which he becomes doubly the subject, it is enough to state, that disposed to them. No greater advantage facts bear out the assertion that a timely is obtained in this way than results from removal to a warmer climate in those uniform and habitual temperance. The who are predisposed to this invidious stimulus afforded by spices is of a very and fatal malady, to which it has been different character, does not affect the reckoned that one-fourth of our populasystem injuriously, and is highly useful tion fall victims, will, in far the greater in promoting the digestion of vegetable number of instances, prevent its developfood. Another very important rule for ment altogether. The reason of the little sojourners in hot climates is, to avoid the success which has hitherto attended this imprudent exposure of their persons at measure, and does still, notwithstanding unseasonable hours, either at sunrise or the attention of the medical profession sunset, or during the full blaze of noon. and of the public has been particularly The danger at the former of these times directed to it by Dr. Clarke and others, is owing to the decomposition, already is the late period at which it is usually noticed, which organized substances un- resorted to, when disease is so far advanced dergo when exposed to a high tempera- that it will proceed unchecked by this or ture joined with moisture; it is then any other expedient that can be opposed that those unhealthy vapours, which seem to its progress. The most apparently to be the seeds of fever, are peculiarly accurate and striking statistical details intense and powerful. And the natives on this subject with which we have even of hot countries, find it requisite ever met, are from the pen of Dr. to take shelter and repose in the middle Menton, an intelligent and experiof the day. It is a practice which our enced physician at Madeira. Dr. Menown countrymen, however, are but too apt ton states, from notes of cases which to neglect; so much so, that it has been came under his own observation during said the dogs and the English are the three successive years, that nineteen paonly living creatures that are at this time tients labouring under confirmed couto be found in the streets, It is no mat-sumption arrived in Madeira from Eng land, the whole of whom died, the greater part on the island, the remainder after returning to their native country. But that of thirty-three cases of incipient consumption which arrived during the same period, two, at the close of it, were on the island, one apparently well, the other considerably better since his arrival, but still in a doubtful state; two had died, one on the island, the other after leaving it; the fate of six was not known; the remaining twenty-three were all at home apparently in good health. It is only by numerical records such as these, that we can hope to arrive at truth. It thus appears, that out of thirty-three cases of incipient consumption, twentyfour were cured; plainly proving that, however great may be the inutility of change of climate in an advanced period of the complaint, considerable hope may be entertained from the adoption of this measure in its earlier stages. Chronic affections of the lungs generally, chronic affections of the stomach, rheumatism, scrofula, and cutaneous affections, are likewise all benefited by a change to a warm, dry climate. Equality of temperature, as far as it can be obtained, in conjunction with these advantages, is likewise a desideratum. THE REFORMERS BEFORE THE REFORMATION. No. XVIII. THE ARREST OF JEROME OF PRAGUE-HIS THE fathers of the council had in their secret purposes condemned John Huss before they sentenced Wickliffe; and when they began by removing the ashes of the one, it was that they might more securely stifle the voice of the other. Unsearchable are the ways of Providence! The blood of the martyrs prepares the way for the spread of the most important truths. This first opened the world to receive the word; and this, in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, prepared Europe again to receive the gospel. As it was needful that John Huss should die at Constance, to bear witness to the truth, it was also ordered that another eminent martyr should, in the prospect of death, bear witness to John Huss. The council at first required but one victim; opportunity gave a second, and the dis ciple followed the master. Amidst the general lamentation and confusion at Prague on the report of the captivity of John Huss, his friend and disciple, Jerome, hesitated, undecided between the desire to follow him, and the dread of sharing his lot. Even Huss, in his letters, urged him to remain at a distance; he exhorted him to prudence, taught him by his own example. At first, Jerome did not despair of his friend being released; he relied on the efforts of the grandees of the kingdom, he confided in the fidelity of Sigismund. However, months passed away, and Huss remained in prison. The remonstrances of the Bohemian nobles were despised, Sigismund forgot his word, Jerome then remembered his own. In our own country, the most eligible situations are, Undercliff in the Isle of Wight, Hastings, the south of Devonshire, especially Torquay, and some parts of Cornwall. But Torquay, on the whole, is superior to every place in our island. With respect to foreign climates, Dr. Clarke considers the practice of sending consumptive patients to the south of France a grievous error, the whole of that extensive tract of country which stretches along the shores of the Mediterranean, from Montpellier to the banks of the Var, being subject to vicissitudes of temperature and to frequent harsh cold winds. Both the south of France and Italy are Some who had been the pupils of Huss decidedly inferior to many of the islands already reminded him of the words he of the Atlantic Ocean, and especially to had used, in the warmth of his affection, Madeira, which is at the same time re- when receiving the farewell of his friend: markable for equality of temperature." My dear master, if any evil befall you, The summer is even five degrees cooler than in Italy and France, but the winter is twelve degrees warmer. The mean annual range at Madeira is only fourteen degrees, whereas it is nearly double this at Pisa, Rome, Naples, and Nice. D. W. I will come, I will hasten to your aid. He listened only to his courage, to the enthusiasm of friendship and faith. He set out for Constance without a safe-conduct, attended only by a single disciple. He wished to appear before the council, and there to plead the cause of his friend. He arrived on April the 4th, and there, mixing with the crowded populace, without making himself known, he heard gloomy reports; it was said that John Huss would not be admitted into the presence of the council, that he would be secretly judged and condemned, and would only leave his prison to die. Jerome trembled, and thought all was over; he was seized with terror, and fled as suddenly as he had come. It is even said that his retreat was so precipitate, that he left his sword behind him in the inn where he had stopped. Already the report of his being there had begun to be circulated; he was everywhere sought for, when his arrival and his flight at once became known. Jerome did not stop till he reached Uberlingen. There, thinking himself more secure, he thought, though late, of a precaution which he should have taken before he left Prague, if in any case he had been guided by reflection rather than the first impulses; and yet he could not expect any great result from this measure. He wrote to the emperor and the council to request a safe-conduct from them, alleging, as a sufficient ground for its being granted, that he had come to Constance of his own accord, and without being sent for, as Huss had been. He said, "I, Jerome of Prague, master of arts in the celebrated universities of Paris, Cologne, and Heidelberg, give notice by this writing that I am come to Constance of my own free will, and without being compelled, to answer any adversaries and slanderers who defame the noble and illustrious kingdom of Bohemia, and to defend our doctrine, which is pure and orthodox, as well as openly to show my innocence, in the presence of the whole council. In order to execute so reasonable a purpose, in the name of God I entreat your imperial majesty, and the sacred ecumenical council, to grant me a safe-conduct, that I may repair to Constance, and return from thence in safety." The emperor made the only answer that could reasonably be expected from him, he refused. The council granted the safe-conduct in the following remarkable terms, by which they plainly exposed their intention to render it useless: "The sacred synod, forming a general council at Constance, assembled by the Holy Ghost, and representing the universal church militant, wishes to Jerome of Prague, who calls himself master of arts in several universities, that he may have wisdom in moderation, and not be wise above what is necessary. As we have at heart nothing more than to seize those foxes which plunder the vineyard of the Lord of hosts, we hereby summon you as suspected and strongly accused of having rashly advanced numerous errors; and we direct you to appear here, in the space of fifteen days, from the date of this summons, to answer, as you offer to do, in the first session that is held after your arrival. It is for this end, that to prevent any violence from being done to you, we give you a full safe-conduct, always excepting what justice demands, and as much as is in our power, and as the orthodox faith requires; also certifying you, that whether you appear or not, within the term stated, the council will, itself, or by its commissioners, proceed against you as soon as the term shall be ended. Given at Constance, in a public session, on April 17th, 1415, under the seals of the president of the four nations."* (It is remarkable how far less favourable was the safe-conduct granted by the council to Jerome than that which the emperor had given to John Huss. The great difference consisted in these expressions, what justice demands, and without prejudice to the orthodox faith. In attempting to defend the council, as to their conduct towards Huss, the jesuit Roswegole has pretended, that these same words were understood in the safe-conduct given to Huss.) Such a safe-conduct was not a protection. Moreover, it did not reach Jerome in proper time. Not receiving any answer at Uberlingen for several days, either from the council or the emperor, Jerome, says the historian Theobald, sorrowfully continued his journey towards Bohemia, distressed at being unable to render any assistance to his friend, and uneasy as to the construction which might be put on his return. He was, however, the bearer of a writing by which seventy of the Bohemian nobility, then at Constance, attested that he had been there, had done all in his power to give a reason as to his faith, and had only left Constance because he could not remain there in safety. All these removals and dangers had not strengthened his prudence; whereever he went he openly, unguardedly, and in no measured terms, declaimed against the council. He was always the same man, ardent, vehement, acting and speaking from the impulse of his heart, never calculating the effect of his words or actions. One day, when passing through some town in the Black Forest, the vicar | accusations and testimonies against Jepressed him to dine at his house, where he had invited several of his brethren. When at table, the recollection of his imprisoned friend recurred forcibly to his mind; his secret sorrow found vent in no measured terms, and he forgot himself so far as to call the council a school of Satan, a synagogue of iniquity.* Some priests who were offended by these expressions, reported them to the officer who commanded in the town, and Jerome was arrested. Other narratives simply mention, that the officers of John of Bavaria, count palatine, and prince of Salzbach, seized Jerome, on April 24th, in the town of Hirsau, from whence he was brought to Salzbach, and detained there. Here he remained in the custody of that prince, till the will of the council should be known. Orders were then issued for conveying the prisoner to Constance, to which place he was immediately transferred. Jerome entered the city in the midst of guards, and chained on a cart. In this gloomy state he was brought to the residence of the elector palatine, brother to John of Bavaria, and detained there till he should appear in public in a general assembly of the members of the council. The cardinals, prelates, and doctors assembled on May 23rd, in the refectory of the Minor Friars. By their order, Jerome was then taken from the dwelling of the elector, and conducted by soldiers through the city. The elector himself led the way, and attended the melancholy procession as if it had been a triumph. Jerome was thus brought before the assembly, loaded, or rather, adorned with chains. After the summons of Jerome to attend the council had been read, and a letter in which John of Bavaria gave an account of his arrest, a bishop came forward and asked Jerome wherefore he had refused to obey, and why he fled. "I departed," answered Jerome, "because I had received no safe-conduct, neither from yourselves nor the emperor; knowing also, that I have here a great number of deadly foes. I received no summons from the council; had I known of it, I would have returned, even from my own land, I declare upon iny oath." At this answer the assembly arose. A confused clamour followed, in which many *Reichental. Concil Constant. rome were produced. He then paid dearly for the triumph of his eloquence, and the temporary success which his fearless discourses had formerly gained, in his journeyings through Europe, when engaged in scholastic contests. The enmity of scholars is of the most dangerous kind, because the wounds of self-love are incurable; and the little passions find entrance into the minds of great men, when they can disguise them to themselves under the veil of the public welfare. Of this, the illustrious Gerson furnished a sad instance: "Jerome," said he, "when you came to Paris, you thought yourself, with your flow of words, an angel from heaven. You disturbed the university by putting forth in our schools several false propositions, especially as to ideas and universals. "Master Gerson," answered Jerome, "the statements I have made in the university of Paris, and the replies I have given to the arguments of the professors, I have myself scientifically proved as a philosopher, and as myself being a master in that university. If I have taught errors, prove them, and I will retract them.' A doctor from Cologne interrupted Jerome: "When you were at Cologne," he said, "you advanced several erroneous statements." "Will you name any one of them?" inquired Jerome. This unexpected request put the doctor to a stand. "I cannot recall them," he added, "but hereafter they will be repeated to you." A third rose in his turn, and addressed Jerome : "At Heidelberg you advanced some serious errors respecting the Trinity, which you represented under the figure of a shield with three sides, and afterwards compared to water, snow, and ice." "What I said and represented at Heidelberg," answered Jerome, "I am ready again to repeat. Show me that they are errors, and I will renounce them most heartily, and with all humility." A murmur was heard; many voices cried, "To the fire! to the fire!" "If my death is desirable to you," said Jerome, "the will of the Lord be done." "No, Jerome," said the archbishop of Salzberg, "it is written, 'I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that he turn from his way and live."" The noise and vociferations were redoubled; at length, when the tumult |