y in number, to return to our native country.

On the 13th the largest boat was repaired, and the officers thought it
advisable to despatch her for relief to the Isle of France, distant
about four hundred miles. The superior officers finding it impossible to
leave the crew, dedicated the charge of her to the purser. We furnished
him with two sextants, a navigation book, sails, oars, and log line. Six
officers and eight men, who perfectly understood the management of the
boat, joined him. He was directed to run first into the latitude, and
then bear up for the land. On the 17th he arrived at the Mauritius, and
on the 20th returned by his Majesty's vessels, Magician and Challenger.
On the 21st we were taken on board, after being sixteen days on this
barren reef, suffering great distress in mind and body. We all received
the most humane attention from the captains of his Majesty's vessels,
and on the 28th, we reached the Mauritius whence I returned to England.

* * * * *

MANNERS & CUSTOMS OF ALL NATIONS.

* * * * *

SINGING OF PSALMS.

This has been a very ancient custom both among the Jews and Christians.
St. Paul mentions this practice, which has continued in all succeeding
ages, with some variations as to mode and circumstance; for so long as
immediate inspiration lasted, the preacher, &c. frequently gave out a
hymn; and when this ceased, proper portions of scripture were selected,
or agreeable hymns thereto composed; but by the council of Laodicea, it
was ordered that no private composition should be used in church; the
council also ordered that the psalms should no longer be one continued
service, but that proper lessons should be interposed to prevent the
people being tired. At first the whole congregation bore a part, singing
all together; afterwards the manner was altered, and they sung
alternately, some repeating one verse, and some another. After the
emperors became Christians, and persecution ceased, singing grew much
more into use, so that not only in the churches but also in private
houses, the ancient music not being quite lost, they diversified into
various sorts of harmony, and altered into soft, strong, gay, sad,
grave, or passionate, &c. Choice was always made of that which agreed
with the majesty and purity of religion, avoiding soft and effeminate
airs; in some churches they ordered the psalms to be pronounced with so
small a