ALFRED THE GREAT.

Colonist, Issue 73, 2 July 1858, Page 4

ALFRED THE GREAT.

The Rev. Isaac New delivered the fourth lecture of his series, in the hall of the Mechanics' Institution, Melbourne.. The subject of the lecture was "Alfred the Great." Mr. New commenced his lecture by stating that he was far from feeling well, and he trusted, under such circumstances, he would meet'with the indulgence of his audience. Alfred the Great, the most illustrious of the kings of England, had made an impression on the mind of his age which had. not often been paralleled in history-— the development of England's history was scarcely more than a testimony to his lasting fame. The scantiness and comparative obscurity of the records from which was to be gathered the history of this remarkable man was much to be regretted, but his name had, for all that, become a monument. The history of England prior to the age of Alfred was itself wrapped; in much uncertainty; scarcely more was to be noted of it than that the inhabitants belonged to the Celtic race. At the time of the invasion by Csesar the Britons were in a state of the deepest barbarism; they possessed heroic bravery, but little unity of purpose. This peculiarity rather astonished the mightiest of the Romans, who had anticipated an easy victory; instead of which he had to retreat, accomplishing little for his fame, England was conquered afterwards more by the arts and civilization than by the arms of Rome. The influence of the latter was long and perceptibly .felt,, and during their dominion Christianity was introduced into England. The power of the native inhabitants greatly increased during the decline of the Roman power, but they had to encounter new enemies and dangers in the persons of the Picts and Scots. Vortigern called to his aid the Saxons, a warlike and persistent race, whom no difficulties could daunt and no misfortunes subdue. They made good their successive invasions, and settled down after conflicts lasting, more or less, through 100 years, in the new land toy, which they had taken such a liking. The Britons tooki refuge in the mountain fastnesses of Wales. Among the conquerors domestic feuds grew up, but the Heptarchy became, by degrees* < consolidated into one kingdom, at the age when Charlemagne was becoming powerful on the Continent. Egbert was the first king of England, and much of his skill in arms and mental, culture was derived from his sojourn at the court of Charlemagne. Upon talcing possession of his throne these advantages began to be developed in his personal character. He studied the dispositions of rival chieftains, and turned them artfully to his own ends. Under his rule the country for the most part became a unity. The incursions ;of the Danish Norsemen, which began in 831, now occupied a prominent position in the annals of England, and became, formidable in the reign of; Ethel wolf, the father of Alfred. Alfred was the youngest of the sons of Ethelwolf. He. was. born in 849, in the town of Wantage!!. His mother: was of noble soul, and noble blood, and her piety was as distinguished as her beauty. -Her interest was coricentrate,d on her family, and she seemed.to be a noble and impressive model of a loving English mother.Alfreid's personal beauty, was great. He had those ekpressive^features which wefe generally regarded as the index of beautiful; characteristics, within. ; Atithe age of eight years he went to Rome to receive the solemn benediction of. the Pope,as though his future greatness were thus early foreshadowed. < His residence in Rome, which continued for a year, might be (Supposed to have greatly aided in, forming his mind— that mind, the influence ;6f which had riot died away after the.lapse1 of a thousand years. The lecturer here alluded to the anecdote of-Alfred and the book which he took from his mother's hands, and which he perseveringly studied, in advance pf 'all his brethren, for a promised reward. Selfeducation was the characteristic distinction of true genius, and Alfred was, one of its noblest examples. Growing up amidst the bustle' of camps arid thecorrecting influences, of a virtuous -home, hjs mindt expanded with ; his • years, until; he longed to emulate the ; deeds of| heroes and the wisdom of the sages whose names /.liei had learned from his mother's lips.* .■ Alfred's father/ died, 'and was succeeded; by Ethelbaldi He died^ and was followed by Ethelbert, and this last by Ethelred, who usurped the whole of; the paternal possessions; i^b this usurpation Alfred submitted, "thereby shewing his nobleness and patriotism; Alfred* during

the reign of Etnelred, married, and, strange to say, for love, and not from political motives. He was a noble example of resistance to temptation, and, it was said, had solemnly besought God to~ send him an illness by which he might be rescued from its power. He had spent whole nights before the altar of God, rather,, than submit to temptation. A youth who could do that had within him infallibly the elements of greatness. But. the Danes were at-hand. In. the first - battle Ethelred led one division, and Alfred another, against the national enemies. Alfred being overwhelmed^ by superior numbers, gaVe, contrary to orders, the signal for the attack. A sanguinary conflict/ensued. The brother of Alfred came to his assistance. The battle raged ' tumultuously. The Saxons felt for what they were fighting, and the Danes could not resist longer. A "frightful butchery ensued, and the Northmen sustained a total defeat. The glory of the day belonged .to Alfred. Ethelred died, probably from his wounds, and Alfred ascended the throne, amid gloomy prospects. Notwithstanding their defeat, the Danes .were powerful, per- - sistent and confident,) while the subjects of Alfred were thinned by perpetual conflicts. Still he fought on, taking,every advantage, and, if possible, "affording none. The Danes pillaged everywhere, and.ravaged Northumberland with fire and sword. ' Alfred attempted. to negotiate, .but the. treachery of his enemies frustrated all his: efforts. Then his inventive genius built ships. Again he negotiated. He, stirred up his countrymen by every means in-his, power, but they at length, as had Alfred himself,'.to submit to the"yoke of his adversaries. But he was a wonderful man in. an age of semi-barbarism and superstition.. He was afflicted, but not subdued, .and reminded us of Robert Bruce in Scotland, or David in the cave of Adullam. B.ut as' Bruce, at Bannockburn, won for himself the Scottish throne, and as David came to be| the King of Israel, so Alfred was destined to,come forth from his obscurity, an.dL • establish for himself a reputation, which had » never been equalled, and perhaps; £ould< never be excelled. His retirement was construed by his people into his death, or his absence from the kingdom, and the scqne of it was known only to a few. N Roused at length by some deeds of prowess performed by some of his.followers on the coast. of Devon, Jhe conceived the design, of reconnoitering*thefposition of the enemy, near Cheltenham. A batte ensued. The Danes were defeated, and became Christians. This was one of those strokes which involve unspeakable consequences. Established on the throne of his ancestors, Alfred set himself to restore order and reform. He did not forget the interests of agriculture, and built numerous castles to guard against banditti. He constructed ships to defend himself against his old enemies, and thus was said to have been the. first English Admiral, as he was the greatest of English kings. He compiled a code of laws; restored, 'at all events, the system of trial by jury; divided the country ; into shires, and effected numerous other reforms, chiefly with a view to the prevention or detection of crime. The common anecdotes of the security of England at that time proved at least the strictness of his administration of justice. He, devoted himself, further, to the social and intellectual progress of his »people, invited' great scholars, enjoined, the mecessity of ■ learning and self-education, r a.nd gave all \ to understand that ignorance .would.prove . an effectual bar to promotion: In fact, he - made mighty earls and magistrates io\' tremble, arid turn all their thoughts to the; . study of justice. He instituted, schools in ', every part of the country, promoting eccle- , siastjical learning, translated many works, •; and sedulously divided his time into regular ' - portions, sq as to employ it to the greatest advantage. Happy Alfred! if it could have been said of him that he died in peace, amidst the tears and lamentations of his subjects. But troubles increased, and he had once more to lead his troops to battle . and to victory. In his latter battles he seemed to display still more genius, bravery, and resource. But ho had run his course." At the age of 49 he died, beloved by ajl, with a fame which a thousand years had not eclipsed. In stature Alfred was about the middle height, and, though not, : robust of body, was of indefatigable! mental power. He was faithful to his wife in an age of lawlessness and lust. In short, every aspiration of his mind was noble and lofty. He was of unwearied dilligence and indomitable perseverance, accounting nothing done while anything remained undone. ' His piety was unquestionable, however in'this .. enlightened age we might deem it tinged with jsuperstition. -Devoted to Christianity. ,' v he .did battle for the. truth, and actually '. devote^ one T third of his time .to God. He would frequently visit the Church in the- - night, that he might bow before his God; S, butj jwliile a sincere Christian, hie would ; never stoop beneath the yoke of an arrogant • priesthood. He towered among the most perfect of princes, and so long as the name , r . of the Anglo-Saxon race endured the name of Alfred would be enwreathed with a halo of imperishable renown.