for that which is already known, cannot be the subject of revelation.

The ancient Egyptians believed in the Metempsychosis (a species of immortality) long before the days of Christ. Diodorus, Lib. 1, c. 7, informs us "that Lycurgus, Solon, and Plato, borrowed from Egypt many of those laws which they established in their several Commonwealths. And that Pythagoras learned his mysterious and sacred expressions, the art of Geometry, Arithmetic, and transmigration of souls, in Egypt." Now all these personages lived long before the Augustan age; consequently the doctrine of immortality was cherished before that period.

"The most celebrated name among the Scythians," observes Enfield, 66 was Zamolxis, whom many represent, not only as the father of wisdom, with respect to the Scythians, but as the teacher of the doctrines of immortality and transmigration to the Celtic Druids and to Pythagoras. There can be no doubt that the doctrine of immortality was known to the northern nations long before the time of Pythagoras; and Herodotus, mentioning a common tradition, that Zamolxis was a Pythagorean, expressly says (Lib. 4, c. 95) that he flourished at a much earlier period than Pythagoras. The whole story of the connexion of Zamolxis with Pythagoras seems to have been invented by the Pythagoreans to advance the fame of their master. From the general testimony of the ancients, it appears that Zamolxis was a Thracian, who in a very remote period taught the Scythians the doctrine of the immortality of the soul."Hist. Philosoph., b. 1, c. 12, p. 61.

Here is another proof that the notion of a future state was a received opinion long before the commencement of the Christian era. Zamolxis probably taught the doctrine before the days of Pythagoras; and Pythagoras is generally allowed to have lived at least 500 years before Christ. According to Eratosthenes, Pythagoras was victor at the olympic games, in the 48 Olympiad, about 588 years B. C. Lloyd denies that the Pythagoras mentioned as victor at the olympic games, was the same as the philosopher; and places the birth of the latter about the third year of the 48 Olympiad Dr. Bentley, in his Dissertation on the epistles of Phalacis, dates the birth of Pythagoras in the fourth year of the 43 Olympiad. It appears from a review of the whole controversy between Bentley, Dodwell, &c., and from what Cicero has said in his Tusculan questions, that Pythagoras flourished about 500 years before Christ, in the time of Tarquin, the last king of Rome. Thus, it appears indubitably certain, that the doctrine of immortality was known before the Augustan age.

If we examine the philosophy of northern nations in the most remote periods, we shall find the immortality of the soul and the unity of the Deity occupying a prominent position, and an immense mass of mythological fable. We are informed by Cæsar, (Bell. G. lib. 4th. c. 14.) "that the first doctrine of the Gallic Druids was, that the soul of man is immortal;" and Pomponius Mela (lib. iii. c. 2.) assures us, that the immortality of the soul was proclaimed to the people, to inspire them with martial ardour and contempt of death. Silius Italicus, (lib. i.) speaking of the Hispani, a Celtic colony, says:

"Prodiga gens animæ, et properare faciliima mortem; Namque ubi transcendit florentes viribus annas,

vobis auctoribus umbræ

Non tacitas erebi sedes, ditis que profundi
Pallida regna petunt: regit idem spiritus artus
Orbe Alio: longæ, canitis si cognita, vitæ
Mors media est.

"If dying mortals' doom they sing aright,
No ghosts descend to dwell in dreadful night;
No parting souls to grisly Pluto go,
Nor seek the dreary silent shades below:
But forth they fly immortal in their kind,
And other bodies in new worlds they find:
Thus life for ever runs its endless race,

And, like a line, death but divides the space."

Rows.

"The history of all the Northern nations," observes Enfield, " abounds with facts, which prove their contempt of death to have originated from the expectation of immortality."

"The theology of the Celtic bards," observes Sir R. Hoare, "was shortly this: they believed in the existence of one supreme being, of whom they reasoned, that he could not be material, and that what was not matter must be God. The soul was considered to be a lapsed intelligence; and the punishment it was susceptible of, was a total privation of knowledge; and the possession of that knowledge was deemed essentially to imply happiness. To effect this punishment and destruction of evil the soul was cast into Anoon, the extremity of which was the lowest point of existence; and to regain its former state, it must pass through all the intermediate modes of existence. For such purpose, they say, God created this as well as other innumerable worlds; that is, for the progression of intelligences through all modes of being, approximating eternally towards himself. Further, that the earth was originally covered with water, which, gradually subsiding, land animals appeared, but of the lowest and least perfect species; and thus corresponding in organization with the then capacity of the soul. New orders in the scale of being were successively produced from those, whose frames and intellects improved through many ages: thus, also, augnenting the store of knowledge, or happiness; so that ultimately man appeared the most perfect receptacle of the soul on this earth. For this was a state wherein the soul had so augmented its faculties or knowledge, as to be capable of judging between good and evil; consequently, became attached to evil, it fell again to brutal life, or a a state of liberty and of choice. If the soul state of necessity, to a point of human existence corresponding with its turpitude; and it again transmigrated towards the state of man for a renewed probation. When from the human to a higher sphere of existence, where the soul became attached to good, death was its release the loss of memory was done away; so that it then recollected the economy of every inferior mode of existence; thus being made happy in the knowledge of all animated nature below its then condition, it became elevated higher and higher in the scale of intelligence to eternity, and

it was

consequently increased in knowledge and happiness." Sir R. Hoare's Giraldus Cambrensis, Lond. 1806, vol. 2. p. 313.

However strange the doctrine of the Metempsychosis may appear to us, living in the nineteenth century, it was nevertheless believed by both the savage and the sage of the ancient world. Metempsychosis formed of μera meta beyond, and cμyvxw empsukho I animate or enliven, signifies, as every body knows, the transmigration of souls from one body to another. According to Herodotus and Diogenes Laertius, the Egyptians believed, that when the body died the soul passed into some other animal that was then brought forth; and after having migrated through the bodies of beasts, birds, and fishes for the space of 3000 years, it returned to inhabit the body of a man again. This whimsical notion is beautifully described by Ovid, who makes Pythagoras say :

1

ma.

a

ple of vitality, the good Father, like all other orthodox beasts undergo a change at death, we may reasonably
believers, must have another soul, or spirit, or Jechidah, conclude that there must be many mansions in the country
to serve as the substratum of reason, intelligence, passion, which they go to inhabit. There are stables for the
&c. The Holy Father's argument in favour of the im- horses, pigstyes for the pigs, hovels for the cows, blankets
mortality of this metaphysical abstraction is enough to for the fleas, and human hair for another set of people,
excite the laughter of any person accustomed to rigid who feel exceedingly delighted when they can erect their
reasoning. “ It must be spiritual," says he," because it weekwams in such a vegetable production. O how
thinks, and it must be inmaterial because it is spiritual." delightful it must be to be located amid such a motley

But, pray, where did Father Dom. C. get to know that group of beings; and what a celestial chorus they must
nothing can think but a spiritual substance, especially as raise, when they, with intonation deep, bray all like
he denies the immateriality of brutes ? Most assuredly“ Gorgons, Hydras, and Chimeras dire.
brutes possess some of those capacities which are usually

J. N. BAILEY.
predicated of an immaterial nature. They evince imagi-
nation by their dreaming; and exhibit memory by their PROGRESS OF SOCIAL REFORM.
recollection of persons from whom they have long been
separated. Now, if memory be not thought, or some- STOCPORT DISTRICT.—Mr. Alexander Campbell having arrived in
thing like the operation of a spiritual entity, I wish some Stockport to commence opperations as District Missionary, the
philosopher would inform me how it can belong to a ma-communicazions relative to Branches, Lectures, &c. are to be addressed

Board do hereby intimate to all the Branches, and Friends, that all terial substance. The advocates of immortality, who to Mr. John Longson, No. 2, Longson's Court, Chestergate, Stockfound the truth of the doctrine on the supposed immateri- port. All communications to be post paid. J. Longson. ality of the soul, must either predicate it of the whole

Preston, August 26th, 1839.-We are still continuing a steady brute creation, or deny it to man. There is no alterna- progression in this town. We have had Mr. Rigby, from Liverpool, tive if they act consistently. “The galled jade may lecturing here last Sunday, (Aug. 18,) to large and crowded audiences. wince ;' but every thinker will at once perceive the dilem- I need scarcely say that he gave general satisfaction ; I never witnesIf memory, imagination, &c. cannot be produced the gloomy pictures the lecturer drew of the present wretched system,

sed more attentive audiences; they seemed to be deeply affected by by the operation of external agents on organized matter, when contrasted with the benevolent and truly Christian principles then beasts (possessed as they most undoubtedly are of that will pervade and govern society when socially regenerated. On memory and imagination) must have something in them Monday evening he delivered a splendid lecture against Infidelity, distinct from matter; and if these phenomena can only sprung from the attempt to coerce man into a belief in the reigning

shewing the baneful effects which have, in all ages of the world, result from the operations of a spiritual entity, then beasts superstition, and thereby render him an Infidel, or unfaithful to his must have a spiritual entity; and if a spiritual entity is own just and true convictions. I never heard Mr. Rigby speak with necessarily immortal, then beasts are necessarily immortal. on those present, and ha

more effect than on this occasion ; he evidently made a deep impression

on those present, and had the effect of entirely silencing our usual What a consolatory reflexion! How cheering to think opponents, none of whom appeared inclined to dispute the statements that death does not dissolve the connection subsisting be- made by the lecturer. After the lecture a subscription was entered tween us and the inferior animals! What sublime ideas of our views, to which many of the strangers present contributed. On

into for purchasing tracts, for diffusing more extensively a knowledge of a future state of being do the arguments of immateri- Tuesday evening we held our quarterly Festival. Mr. Rigby was alists generate in the mind! Those nameless gentry who present, and delivered an appropriate address on the beneficial tendency generally manifest their attachment to man, by taking up mente consisted of dancing, singing, and with exhibitions on the magic

of such meetings. We spent a most agreeable evening. Our anrusetheir residence in his hair; those respectable and imma- lantern. We prolonged our meeting till a late hour, and parted muterial gentlemen, who lie grunting and wallowing in the tually pleased and satisfied with each other. On Wednesday Mr. mire, vulgarly called pigs; those pretty little black bounc- Rigby left us, to lecture in Blackburn. Yesterday a small party of us ing creatures who pinch so severely the bodies of imma- visited Longton, a sınall village a few miles distant, where we held a terialists and others when they are stretched on the couch blage of the inhabitants. Our meeting took place close by the parish

meeting, and gave an outline of our views to a pretty numerous assemof repose, are all immortal. The lion and gnoo of Africa, church, on a spot of ground belonging to an individual favourable to the elephant of Asia, the racoon of America, and the our principles. Our proceedings were marked by the utmost order and donkey of Europe; in short, the whole herd of animated propriety of conduct on the part of all present ; a great majority of

whom seemed highly satisfied with our explanation of the means beings are all immortal! Their immortality is placed be- necessary for adopting a more rational system of society, and requested yond all doubt, because, first, the church hath determined us to visit them again as often as possible. In the meantime, the that certain capacities belong exclusively to an immaterial Minister of the parish, who is also a Magistrate, has taken the alarm, and immortal natyre ; and second, because beasts have

and issued summonses against Mr. Hayes and me, charging us with

a breach of the peace. Our trial comes on next Saturday, August 31st1; some of these capacities, and must therefore exist in a we await the result with the utmost confidence, satisfied that we have future state.

justice on our side ; and if the law should go against us, it will only As I like to do every thing in a logical way, the best furnish an additional proof of the great disparity that exists between demonstration I can give of the first proposition is, that

John W. ARTHUR, Secretary. the Church, the infallible and holy orthodox Church,

OPENING OF THE Forester's HALL, STALEY BRIDGE.-On hath said it; and none but reasoners and abominable Sunday, the 18th of August, the above-mentioned splendid and cominfidels deny the authority of the Church.

modious hall, erected by the order of Foresters, was opened as a Social The second postulate is proved by experience, and the discussion was announced, and the clergy of all denominations were

Institution. The town was placarded for the occasion in which free consequence I have tacked to it flows from the first invited to attend. A numerous and respectable audience assembled proposition.

in the afternoon, when Mr. Joseph Smith, of Salford, delivered an Thus the immortality of animals is based on that Social system. He coinmenced by adverting to the numerous attempts

animating lecture, explanatory of the fundamental principles of the imperishable basis, “the authority of the Church."

made by the great and good of all ages and all nations, to establish a As there is no truth in the Owenites’ assertion that the system of society based on the broad principles of equality and justice,

but in consequence of proceeding tpon a false fundamental principle dispositions of both men and animals are changed by they had not realized their benevolent intentions. He then pointed circumstances; and as we are not warranted to infer that out the errors upon which all the philosophy, morals, politics, and re

ligion of the world has hitherto been founded, and explained elabo- the exclusion of matter of far greater interest than any thing which rately the difference between our views and the views of those that we could furnish. In the spring of the present year, Mr. Ambler was have preceded us respecting the formation of the human character. discharged from his employment at the Vulcan Foundry, near After which he dissected the present absurd and irrational arrange-Warrington, for his public advocacy of our principles, a circumstance ments of society, with its numerous sects and parties, in hostile array which (however unfortunate to himself and to our Warrington friends) against each other, separating man from man, and stifling the social has proved of incalculable advantage to us, for he immediately sucsympathies and affections of human nature. The meeting separated ceeded in obtaining employment in the neighbourhood of Wigan, and about five o'clock, and all seemed highly delighted with the afternoon's has ever since devoted the whole of his leisure hours to our service, proceedings ; after which tea was provided for the friends that had lecturing every Sunday afternoon and evening ; also rendering us come from a distance. In the evening, Mr. Buchanan delivered an much valuable assistance in conducting the business of the Branch in impressive lecture, in which he ably developed the disadvantages a manner much superior to what it formerly was, by introducing from necessarily resulting from the present individualized competitive sys- time to time such arrangements as appeared best calculated to promote tem for the production and distribution of wealth ; he proved from the amusement, instruction, and happiness of all. We have now, in statistical documents that those who are uselessly employed in the addition to our lectures, a Sunday School, which we hope, cventually, production of spurious articles, toys of no intrinsic value, get more of will be far superior to any thing of the kind in Wigan ; we have also the comforts and necessaries of life than those who are employed in an amusement class on Saturday evenings, which has attracted conthe production of real wealth, and those who do nothing but buy and siderable interest, and at which our young friends meet and are sell the labour of others accnmulate a still larger amount of the wealth engaged in a variety of rational and innocent amusements, which add and honours of life ; therefore, the present system offers no incentives to their mutual happiness, and which, on reflection, leave no sting to be industrious, but every inducement to be idle. He then showed behind ; and in order to blend instruction with amusement, we have

! the physical, mental, and moral advantages which would inevitably opened a news and reading room, in an elegantly furnished apartment result from the adoption of the cooperative system. The lecture was adjoining our Institution. On Saturday, August 24th, we held a characterised by close and cogent reasoning, which appeared to be duly Festival in our Institution, when more than eighty persons sat down appreciated by the audience. The singing being over, Mr. Buchanan to tea. The remainder of the evening was spent in a variety of invited discussion, when the notorious Thomas Haslam got up, and in amusements, consisting of quadrilles, country dances, promanades, the usual manner began to calumniate, misrepresent and vilify the songs, recitations, &c., on which occasion we were delighted with the system and its advocates, thus furnishing the audience with a pretty company of our beloved and talented friend and missionary, Mr. fair sample of the fashionable Billingsgate of the day ; he then gave Rigby, who delivered an appropriate address on the occasion. Every out a notice that he would lecture against us in the Temperance Hall, countenance beamed with delight whilst they listened to his pleasing on Tuesday night, and that he would allow discussion after. Mr. observations. Not the slightest disturbance or unpleasant feeling Buchanan challenged him to a public discussion in our institution, but occurred during the evening, the whole proceedings being charache objected to it, because he said that we should not allow him fair terized by harmony and love. On Sunday, August 25th, Mr. play. The meeting then separated, and the proceedings of the day Rigby lectured for us in the afternoon and evening. The told well for our cause. So much for the introduction of the religion attendance in the afternoon was not much greater than usual, of love in Staley Bridge.

J. Cook. probably in consequence of this being the first time he has lectured after the evening lecture, a petition to Parliament was unanimously time the tear was seen to glisten in every eye, while he depicted the BIRMINGHAM, August 31.—George Connard.-On Sunday last, here, but in the evening, we had an excellent audience, who listened

with breathless attention for the space of two hours, during which agreed to, calling attention to the infamous treatment of George miseries engendered by our present irrational arrangements, ir lanConnard, and praying relief for him. It was forwarded the same

At the evening to Mr. Hume, who had previously called the attention of the guage which the experience of all told them was too true. House to the illegality, as well as the unchristianity, of such proceedings, conclusion of the lecture, Mr. Rigby named two infants, which drew on account of conscientious religious opinion. Mr. Hume had fixed from him some excellent remarks, relative to the formation of Friday the 23rd instant, for the

discussion of the case in the House, character. The whole of the day's proceedings were of the first order, having previously moved the printing of the petitions ; but the House and we feel persuaded that could we procure the services of Mr. was counted out before the case came on--and no opportunity could Rigby for a few times, Wigan would be our own, for all persons with be afterwards obtained before the rising of Parliament. The petitions whom we have conversed have expressed their conviction of the truth

tions. have however been sent to Lord John Russell, and his immediate of his obser attention to the situation of George Connard requested, and the case

THOMAS BAKER. will not be unattended to. It was the intention of Mr. Hume to have

P. S. I had almost forgot to mention a circumstance which is perproposed to the House a resolution condemnatory of the Judge who haps the surest indication of our progress, that ten of our members remanded George Connard, whose case comes under the act of the have cominenced subscribing to the community fund. last Session, cap. 105. It is to be hoped that our friends, and all friends to the rights of conscience, and civil and religious liberty, will CANTERBURY.–A SAMPLE OF CANTERBURY CHRISTIANITY. The make good use of this occasion to call the attention of the public and Owenite Blasphemy. “To the Queen's most Excellent Majesty. the Government to such gross infringement the rights of the Madam,-We, the undersigned female inhabitants ofpeople.

feel that we should be wanting in that affectionate regard and loyalty, LAMBETH.— The excitement created by the Lectures delivered on which (as women) we cannot but entertain towards a female soseKennington Common, by Mr. South well, combined with his attractive reign, did we not, thus early, express our disgust at the insult offered style, has been the means of insuring good audiences to our lectures at to your Majesty, by the presentation of “Robert Owen,” the founder the Institution. On Monday, August 19th, a Discussion took place of the most immoral and blasphemous system ever offered to the between Mr. E. P. Hood and Mr. Southwell; when about 300 were world. Mr. Owen, in this system, which he has mis-named present. Mr. S. has delivered two lectures on “The Marriage System

“Socialism,” denounces marriage and parental affection-declares of the New Moral World ;” both of which were very well attended. Revelation to be a series of " diabolical falsehoods, invented by the Until lately, we have found great difficulty in meeting with any oppo- Priests, and even dares to avow his disbelief in God. We fully sition to our views ; but we now have several persons ready to discuss sympathise with your Majesty in the pain such a presentation must the principles publicly, and shall take advantage of the opportunity. have caused you ; and humbly pray your Majesty to direct that some Mr. Southwell still continues to lecture on Kennington Common every this most iniquitous system, that open infidelity may no longer dis

efficient measures may immediately be adopted for the destruction of Sunday afternoon. The average number listening to him is 600. the conclusion of each lecture discussion is invited. Immediately Mr. grace our land, or bring down upon us the Almighty's just wrath and S. leaves the Common, lectures are delivered in opposition to our views. indignation. We pray that every blessing may continue to rest upon This will evidently do good ; inasmuch as it will cause a spirit of you, &c,, &c., &c.” inquiry ; and with free inquiry, the cause of truth has little to fear ! The above is a copy of an advertisement from the Canterbury Weekly

S. S. Journal of Saturday, Aug. 24, put in a conspicuous part of the paper, [We have received from other quarters the most gratifying intelli- without either note or comment ; so that we are left in the dark as to

the author of this truly orthodox rigmarole. My object in writing to gence respecting Mr. Southwell's qualifications for a public instructor you is to direct your attention to the perverted notions of justice enterin the principles of Socialism, and congratulate our London friends on tained by the writer, who, in perfect keeping with bible morality,(where the acquisition they have received in his accession to the cause. -Ed.] Almighty, in his indiscriminate fury against the “open infidelity" of

the innocent suffer for the guilty) seems to insinuate that the WIGAN, August, 1839.—It is a considerable time since we sent the day, would be justified, not only in pouring his “ wrath and you a report of the progress we are making in this part of the country ; indignation” on our devoted heads, but also upon these most pious the reason is, our not having had any thing to communicate of a and truly Christian Petitioners. nature to justify us in occupying a portion of your valuable pages, to

E. TRUELOVE.

ESSAY

VIII.

ON THE EXISTENCE OF MORAL EVIL manuer above stated) by “ Demons," or, according to

AND ON THE INFLUENCE OF THOSE the Jews, by “ Devils.”
CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH ARE PLACED

These afflictions were cured, sometimes by sympathy, WITHIN THE CONTROL OF SOCIETY. sometimes by medicine, sometimes by tricks and arti

fices, which created sudden surprise, or gave a violent

shock to the nerves. Those, who successfully practiced, In a rank, and also in a region below that of the these arts were famed for “casting out devils," and celestial phantoins whose origin has been described in known by the name of conjurers, charmers, magicians, preceding Essays, beings, of inferior dignity, but still and Exorcists. of a nature superior to common mortals, were held to There is reason to believe that such notions and have spiritual existence. Princes, Heroes, Legislators, practices prevailed in the world, long before any nation Sages, Physicians--all

, who by splendid deeds or use became what is called civilised. Modifications of such ful discoveries were deemed benefactors of their race- usages are found among the rudest barbarians; and especially those who during lite had suffered ingratitude many of them must have been so blended with the or persecution ; these, when envy and jealousy had vicissitudes incident to early times, that any attempt to subsided, and revenge could no longer be gratified, trace their origin would be fruitless and vain. were raised into Genii or Demi-Gods. Their spirits

Our researches, however, would be incomplete, if, in holding a middle rank between eternal spirits and those seeking the sources of human absurdity, we neglected of mere mortals weut after death into

to notice another important class which figures in the The land of dreams (where souls embodied dwell

heathen mythology; I mean that hybrid race; the fruit In ever-Howering meads of Asphodel ;

of sly embraces, stolen from heedless terrestrial maidens The empty forms of men inha' it there, Impassive semblance, images of air ;

by amorous males celestial. Nought else are all, that shined on earth before;

Though some of these characters, such as Hercules, Ajax and great Achilles are no more !)-ODYSEY. Achilles, Eneas, and, Sarpedon, may be deemed of Imagination had formed eternal spirits out of the doubtful origin, or regarded as the spurious offspring supposed souls of the Earth; the Sea; the Fire; the of romance and fiction ; yet, when we find real gentleAir; the Sun; the Moon; the Planets ; &c. of which men, such as Alexander the great, and the Emperor class, Terra, Neptune, Vulcan, Juno, Apollo, Diana, Domitian ; persons, tangibly composed of flesh and Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn &c. were known bones, entertain these strange opinions with respect to as specimens among the Greeks, while of the Genii, themselves, and prompted by the divinity which may be enumerated, Ceres, Bacchus, Jason, Esculapius, stirred within them,” requiring even their own mothers &c. Concerning the reality of the place of abode, in to attest the monstrous conception; in such cases we which the latter dwelt, no doubt at all was permitted to must take especial care lest credulity on the one side, remain, for many favoured individuals, while yet alive, or scepticism on the other degenerate into downright obtained permission to visit and -hold conversations prophanity. with their departed friends, in those happy regions. All I mean to say on the subject, is, that though in Their description of the place, does not exactly very ancient times it was not the fashion to have so agree with that given by St. Paul, St. John the many confidants, in these illicit amours, as in after Divine, Mahomet, and Émanuel Swedenbourg, to ages, the maidens who conceived such romantic whom similar favours have been accorded, still, the ideas, generally gave substantial proof of their veracity difference is not so great as to render either account, when their full time was accomplished ; and also, that improbable, reasonable allowance being made for the though ancient virgins, may in all times have deserved great improvement which must have taken place in the their reputation for purity; young virgins in ancient art of Dreaming during the lapse of ten or perhaps fifty times, as well as young wives, were sadly exposed to thousands years.

these afflicting adventures, especially such as were in As to the spirits of common mortals, the best went to the habit of bathing in the open air, or of sauntering in the right, and the worst to the left; the indifferent, or the aisles and cloisters of temples ; for neither the holisuch, as during life, had evinced bad propensities, or ness of the place, nor the chaste deportment and exevil dispositions without opportunity of gratifying them, ample of the Priests, could at all times restrain the were condemned to wander in a houseless forlorn cou- curious celestials, who frequented those sancturies, from dition until the true bias of their inclinations could be testing the frailty of human nature; and, alas, innumerknown. The only chance these vayrants had of miti-able instances of this frailty occur in all history, sacred gating their fate, was, either by force or fraud, to get as well as profane! I need only cite the well-known into the body of some living person, in the same man- examples of Proserpine, Leda, Sarah,* Ariadne, Daphne, ner as the Soldier-Crab takes possession of the shell Olympia, Diana, Bathsheba, Danae, Susannah, and of a whell--or as a minister of glad tidings invades a Paulina, as proofs of my own correctness and veracity: labourer's cottage when a fat pig has been recently for so notoriously common was the practice, that the sacrificed there. When a tenement was roomy, and study of it now constitutes a practical branch of polite not over-well furnished, it sometimes happened that literature, insomuch, that it has been found necessary, three or four of these unpleasant lodgers would intrude for modern young ladies, who receive a finished educatogether, and lead the lawful owner a very uneasy life, tion, to devote a few of their most important years to by their incessant wrangling and dissention. Idiots, these interesting details, in order, I suppose, that if, by Hypochondrieaz, insane persons, and all afflicted with any chance they should, like Pharoah's daughter, diseased imaginations, were said to be possessed in the

Genesis c. 6, v. 4 c. 2, v. 1.