gmentation of _Churches_ and _Chapels_, both for congregations
of the establishment, and for dissenters. In consequence of urgent, and
argumentative appeals by some truly pious and benevolent Christians, the
legislature has granted a large sum for the purpose of aiding parochial
committees, to build new churches or enlarge their old ones.

The _New Post Office_, in St. Martin's-le-Grand, is fast
approaching conclusion, and will constitute one of the most imposing
public buildings of the city. Preparatory to the re-erection of the
whole of the _Blue Coat School_, or _Christ's Hospital_, in
Newgate Street, a spacious and handsome Hall has been erected, from the
designs of Mr. Shaw.

A _new Chapel_, of novel design, being of an amphitheatrical form,
has been recently completed, from the designs of _W. Brooks_,
architect. It is seated near the Catholic Chapel, in Finsbury Circus.

* * * * *

THE SKETCH-BOOK.

* * * * *

THE FIRST AND LAST CRIME.

[_Blackwood's Magazine_ for the current month contains a sketchy
article under this title, which displays much of the breadth and vigour
of one of Maga's contributors. Our extract is in the form of the
confession of a reckless, daring spirit, who being imprisoned for
murder, commits suicide. The early developement of his bad passions is
admirably drawn, and altogether this is one of the most powerfully
written papers that we have lately met with.]

I was the youngest child of three; but before I had attained my tenth
year, I was an only one. I had always been the favourite of both my
parents, and now I was their idol. They hung upon my existence, as a
shipwrecked mariner clings to the last floating fragment of the gallant
bark that bore him; they lived, but while they held by me, in the rough
tossings of the ocean of life. I was not slow to discover my value in
their estimation, or to exercise, in its fullest extent, the capricious
tyranny of conscious power. Almost the earliest impression which my
ripening mind received, was a regal immunity from error--I could _do
no wrong_.

My education was not neglected. Alas! the only use I have ever made of
what I acquired, has been to gild my vices when acted, or refine upon
the manner of acting them while in contemplation. I look back, at this
moment, to the period of my life I am describing, as prosperous men
recall the day-spring of their fortunes. _They_, f