since some of its effects, in that rude state of society, could not but be salutary.  No reflecting person, however, can view without sorrow the abuses which rose out of thus formalising sublime instincts and disinterested movements of passion, and perverting them into means of gratifying the ambition and rapacity of the priesthood.  But, while we deplore and are indignant at these abuses, it would be a great mistake if we imputed the origin of the offices to prospective selfishness on the part of the monks and clergy; they were at first sincere in their sympathy, and in their degree dupes rather of their own creed than artful and designing men.  Charity is, upon the whole, the safest guide that we can take in judging our fellow-men, whether of past ages or of the present time.

397. Sir William Hillary.

     ‘And they are led by noble Hillary’ (XV. l. 14).

The TOWER OF REFUGE, an ornament to Douglas Bay, was erected chiefly through the humanity and zeal of Sir William Hillary; and he also was the founder of the lifeboat establishment at that place; by which, under his superintendence, and often by his exertions at the imminent hazard of his own life, many seamen and passengers have been saved.

398. Isle of Man. [XVI. l. 14.]

The sea-water on the coast of the Isle of Man is singularly pure and beautiful.

399. *_Isle of Man_. [XVII.]

My son William is here the person alluded to as saving the life of the youth; and the circumstances were as mentioned in the Sonnet.

400. *_By a retired Mariner_. [XIX.]

Mary’s brother Henry.

401. *_At Bala Sala_. [XX.]

A thankful refuge.  Supposed to be written by a friend (Mr. Cookson) who died there a few years after.

402. *_Tynwald Hill_.

Mr. Robinson and I walked the greater part of the way from Castle-Town to Peel, and stopped some time at Tynwald Hill.  My companions were an elderly man, who in a muddy way (for he was tipsy) explained and answered as far as he could my enquiries about the place and the ceremonies held here.  I found more agreeable company in some little children, one of whom, upon my request, recited the Lord’s Prayer to me, and I helped her to a clearer understanding of it as well as I could; but I was not at all satisfied with my own part.  Hers was much better done; and I am persuaded that, like other children, she knew more about it than she was able to express, especially to a stranger.

403. Snafell.

    ‘Off with you cloud, old Snafell’ (Sonnet XXI. l. 9).