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apparition, and a belief in its reality becomes general. The mystery is at length unravelled, and without goblin, or design at imposition, the obscurity is dissipated, and the apparition is found to be a longlost son returned from the dangers of the sea, where he was thought to have perished. A ghost tale so well attested, which is afterwards found to belong to a living man, may well awaken suspicion on similar occasions, in a mind accustomed to reflection.

Many other stories and narratives, which we have neither time nor room to particularize, equally, if not more interesting, than any of the preceding, may be found in the Winter's Wreath; but those which we have noticed will furnish a fair specimen of their general character. The vivacity of style, and apparent ease with which they have been written, are admirably calculated to add vigour to the sentiments which their authors intended to convey. The manner will enhance the value of the matter, and, perhaps, each will impart an additional lustre to the other.

The poetical department contains many well-written articles. Most of their authors furnish proof that they are not strangers to the regions of Aonia, nor viewed as intruders when entering the presence-chamber of the Muses. In several pieces there is a spirit and pathos highly creditable to the names with which they are associated; and, whatever may be advanced by the author of "The Decline of Poetry," the volume in which his observations are recorded, furnishes indisputable proof, that the sacred fire is not only unextinguished, but still capable of glowing with genial warmth, and, at times, of bursting forth in lambent coruscations.

Both from the prose and the poetry we had intended to extract articles illustrative of the preceding remarks, but other Works, which wait our leisure, solicit also an admission into our pages. We hope, therefore, in our next number to supply the omission which at present is unavoidable.

From time immemorial, the splendid palace of magnificence has stood in "still increasing London ;" and to this renowned city, her votaries have always resorted to do her homage. Of late years she has paid occasional visits to the enterprising spirit of Liverpool; but the Winter's Wreath for 1830, having erected for her reception an elegant country-house, and richly furnished it for her accommodation, the inhabitants of this flourishing town may confidently expect to be honoured in future with no small share of her presence.

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REVIEW.-The Picture of Australia, exhibiting New Holland, Van Diemen's Land, and all the Settlements from the first at Sydney, to the last at. the Swan River. 12mo. pp. 380. Whittaker. London. 1829.

Or this volume the author's name is concealed; nor does it furnish any internal evidence that he has ever visited the scenes which he describes, or drawn his knowledge of these distant regions from personal observation. He may, therefore, be considered as a parlour-traveller, who navigates turbulent oceans, surveys remote portions of the globe, and makes himself acquainted with their natural phenomena and varied productions while sitting by his fire-side. This indeed is no uncommon practice. The real adventurer furnishes the materials, while mere book-makers

" in opinion stand
His rivals, winning cheap the high repute,
Which he through hazard huge must earn."

But these preliminary remarks have little or no connexion with the book itself, which must either stand by its own intrinsic merits, or sink by its own defects, from what source soever the materials have been derived. If satisfied with the information which it communicates, we duly appreciate the value of its contents, and give the author credit for his industry and fidelity, even though a considerable portion of what he has written should be destitute of originality. Such is precisely the case with the volume now before us. It is a compendium extracted from numerous publications, which (treating of these regions) were written by various authors, from observations made under a great diversity of circumstances, and at different periods of time.

The views which the author has taken are comprehensive rather than minute, his eye having been more directed to the boundaries of a grand outline, than to the localities of detail. The whole work is divided into eleven chapters, which, in leading terms, are thus characterized.-"General Description-Seas, Islands, Reefs, &c.Climate, Soil, and appearance of the Country-Native Minerals and Plants—Animals -Native Population-Progress of Discovery-Sketch of the Colonies and Settlements-Towns, Buildings, &c.-Colonial Population-Institutions, Cultivated Produce," &c. Under these generical heads the writer has arranged the various species that present themselves in each department, noticing their distinct peculiarities, and occasionally accompanying them with reflections to which the phenomena give birth. Hence,

1035

taken in the aggregate, his work embodies nearly all the information that New Holland can be expected to afford, with the exception of such as results from the discoveries which adventure daily makes, and from the new settlements continually springing up under the fostering hand of industrious enterprise.

Of its animal and vegetable productions, the account is both copious and interesting; and more particularly so respecting those species which are exclusively natives of this vast portion of the globe. It is, however, to be regretted, that of the kangaroo and of various other animals, the natural history is but imperfectly known; and it is not improbable that some of the tribes will become extinct before their habits and peculiarities have been fully explored; or, if this should not be the case, that their native propensities will be so disturbed by interruption, that they will assume an artificial character, and be transmitted to posterity with but little that is purely original besides the name.

In the mineral department, no mines of gold or silver have been discovered, but what, to a growing empire, is of far greater moment, iron ore and coals are found in abundance. These are among the physical elements of national resources, without which genuine independence can never attain permanent stability. In almost every department, the capabilities of Australia furnish a solid foundation for an empire, of which future ages will behold the greatness.

On the native population the author looks with a more favourable eye than many of his contemporaries and predecessors have done. The hostility towards the Europeans, which they have occasionally manifested, he attributes to some previous acts of aggression on the part of their invaders, either through accident or design. He admits that their condition is in every respect truly deplorable, but argues that their genuine character is very imperfectly known.

To those who are acquainted, from other sources, with the history of Australia, this volume will communicate little that is new; but to such as have not been favoured with an opportunity, it will be found replete with valuable information. The author has condensed his materials within a narrow compass, and ranged them in consecutive order, in a plain and intelligible manner. To young persons it will be found both amusing and instructive; and those who are farther advanced in life, an attentive perusal will repay with an ample remuneration.

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REVIEW.-The Amulet, a Christian and Literary Remembrancer, for 1830, edited by S. C. Hall. 12mo. pp. 392. Wesley and Co. London.

DR. JOHNSON has somewhere said, that "choice is always difficult where there is no motive for preference." The truth of this remark we can fully attest by our own experience. In the situation which he has supposed, we find ourselves at present placed: encircled by beauties which spread their loveliness before us, and attracted on all sides by an influence which in any one direction, nothing but a counteracting operation can prevent from being irresistible.

Since these literary and graphic flowers first made their appearance, we have thought, as year succeeded to year, that the fruits of ingenuity and effort, annually placed before us, never could be surpassed. Time however, in its movements, has given a stimulus to the march of excellence; and, by producing new creations in the regions of fancy, arrayed the offspring of genius in still more exquisite charms. We therefore blush to find ourselves among the "false prophets;" and, to make some little atonement for past presumption, now candidly acknowledge, that we know not the altitude which perfection may ultimately attain.

The Amulet is somewhat distinct in its character from most of the other annuals, which compete for fame in the market of elegant literature and graphic excellence. Its articles in general have a religious aspect, but without any gloom of countenance, or lines of moroseness disfiguring the features. In its ample wardrobe, truth has obtained garments of the finest texture, and of the most delicate hues, softened and irradiated by the smiles of virtue, which derive their principal energy from the sanctions of revelation.

The graphic illustrations, twelve in number, confer an honour on the creative energy which gave them birth, and on the hands that imparted visible perfection to the emanations of genius. Among these, several are of the superlative order, and demand a something more than general notice.

The Fisherman's Children is exceedingly characteristic. The scene is barren, but extended; a huge rock, a vast expanse of sea and sky, and two children anxiously gazing on the surface of the water, comprise nearly all. The boy, pointing with his finger to some distant object on the waves, attracts the attention of his sister. coming father is pictured to the imagina

The

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tion, and both children appear absorbed in the intensity of expectation.

The Gleaner has a lovely countenance; innocent simplicity and contentment are alive in every feature ; ; the dog has his share of joy; all around is rural, neither contaminated nor adorned with the adulterations of art.

The Pedagogue, includes some fine delineations of character. Old Vindex, with solemn gravity of countenance; the urchin, at once the victim of fear and eagerness; his accuser or vindicator half bursting with vehemence; and the lady, with an anxious look, watching the language and emotions of the culprit, excite conflicting agitations in the observer's mind.

The first Interview between the Spaniards and Peruvians, exhibits the former with all the gloomy ferocity which fanaticism and superstition can inspire. This is finely contrasted with the open and unsuspecting amazement of the latter. The appearance of the former excites our detestation, while that of the latter awakens sympathy and compassion.

The Minstrel of Chamouni, in an attitude of reflecting solitude, mingled with an air of pensive sorrow, is an exquisitely finished picture.

But that which crowns the whole, is, The Crucifixion. The representation of "Darkness visible," seems to be inimita

ble.

On the plates we have named, and on others which we have not distinctly noticed, the work of the engraver appears in an highly advantageous light; but on the two latter, Robinson and Le Keux seem to have lavished all their graphic powers. The engraving of The Minstrel of Chamouni is said to have cost one hundred and fortyfive guineas, and The Crucifixion one hundred and eighty. The beauties and skill displayed in these, would extract from language nearly all itsepithets of praise.

In the literary department there is much to interest the feelings, and to command admiration.

The Two Delhis, though somewhat romantic, abounds with sterling materials, and the story is excellently told. It displays an extensive acquaintance with Turkish character, manners, names of places, local geography, and with the restless ambition of the Sultans. It conducts us through commotions and vicissitudes, presents to our view the overthrow of pride, and the detection of hypocrisy, and terminates with a tribute of respect to sing cerity, the advice of which was rejected until too late to be rendered serviceable.

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Annie Leslie, an Irish story, by Mrs. S. C. Hall, is told with much national pathos. The incidents are numerous, interspersed with native humour. The scene is dramatic, and concludes with the triumphs of independent virtue over treacherous and unfeeling oppression.

The Glen of Saint Kylas, is a tale of fearful interest. It paints avarice in its proper colours, half absorbing virtue in its vortex; but from which the latter emerges, and emits, in the vale of honest poverty, a mild and unostentatious light.

We'll see about it, is a keen satire on Irish indolence and procrastination, and from the hints given, many on each side of St. George's channel, might learn some profitable lessons.

A Tale of Pentland, by the Etterick shepherd, is tinged with blood. It carries us back to the days when the Scottish Covenanters were persecuted to death. The scene is tragical; but some rays of compassion which occasionally appear, enliven the gloom. Favour to a person in distress is repaid under a change of circumstances, and happiness results from the interposition of friendship, arresting the hand of death.

The first Invasion of Ireland, is both traditional and historical. To the antiquarian it is full of interest; but with the general readers of these annuals, the subject is buried too deeply in remote ages either to excite a fervid glow in the imagination, or to make a deep impression on the memory.

From an interesting narrative, entitled "The Austral Chief," by the Rev. William Ellis, author of Polynesian Researches, &c., we take the following extract. It is the record of a fact, which, falling under the notice of this intelligent Missionary while in the South Sea Islands, marks the disasters to which the natives are at times exposed, and, on the present occasion, displays the over-ruling providence of God in making a calamity subservient to his wise designs, in diffusing the light of Christian truth among the benighted inhabitants of the globe. We have only to regret that the article before us is too long to be given entire; but in its abridged form it will be rendered intelligible.

"It was a clear morning, in the spring of the year 1821, when a party of inhabitants of Huahine left their dwelling in one of its fertile valleys, and ascended the high mountains that rise near its northern shores. The season of westerly winds and heavy rains, the only variation of the tropical year, had passed away, and the calm settled weather that succeeded, heightened the effect of the sified scenery. The face of the heavens, with the vernal freshness, which was spread over the diver

light transparent cloud that occasionally pas

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..... .....

over their surface, was reflected from the expanse of water around, while the gentle maoae (the trade wind) sweeping along the sides of the hills and the surface of the sea, imparted apparent animation to the whole. The sun had reached the mid-heavens, and cast his vertical rays upon the lofty mountains, the woody glens, the fall that rolled in silvery streams among the projecting rocks, and the white spray on the edges of the waves, that glittered in his beams, when the travellers reached the high table-land that stretches along the base of the sacred mountain. Here they involuntarily halted, to gaze upon the extended scene which their elevated position enabled them to command.

"On the bosom of the ocean, far from the shore, they observed a vessel, slowly drifting towards the west. Its size and form did not resemble the light nautilus-like canoes used by themselves and the inhabitants of the adjacent islands, and yet differed still more in appearance from the tall ships of Europe and America, by which they were occasionally visited. They watch'd its course till they perceived it steadily proceeding towards the western islands, when they pursued their journey, under the influence of an excited curiosity in reference to the strange sail' they had seen, and the voyagers who might be on board. By subsequent intelligence they learned that the bark contained an Austral Chief, and a party of his dependents, and the interest excited by the distant view of his vessel was not diminished by an acquaintance with the adventures of his history.

"Rurutu, an island about three hundred miles from the spot whence the vessel was seen, was his birth-place. This island is one of a cluster called the AUSTRAL ISLANDS, stretching along near the tropic of Capricorn. Connected with these islands there is much that is interesting in nature and in history. One of them was explored by Mr. Bass, who, in a small boat, discovered the straits that still bear his name, and separate New Holland from Van Diemen's Land; the scene of a poem, by the late Lord Byron, is laid in another; and a third was the residence of the Chief whose bark had been discovered by the inhabitants of Huahine. The latter is one of the fairest of the islands in the Pacific."

Having proceeded thus far, Mr. Ellis pauses, to describe the island, which he represents as fertile, lovely, and abounding in picturesque scenery, but at the same time subject to epidemic diseases, (supposed to be inflicted by evil spirits,) which frequently proved fatal to the inhabitants. It was during one of these awful visitations, that Auura, the "Austral Chief," accompanied by a few daring spirits, with their wives, embarked on the perilous ocean, to escape the desolating pestilence.

"After a propitious voyage, they reached the island of Tubuai, about one hundred miles distant, and the nearest land, but one, to that which they had left. Here they experienced all the alleviations of sympathy and hospitality. Time passed pleasantly away, and having recruited their strength and spirits, Auura and his party launched their vessel, bade their friends farewell, and, little anticipating the perils that awaited them, embarked for their native island, in hopes of finding that the plague was stayed.

"Scarcely had they lost sight of the friendly shore, when the heavens gathered blackness, and the threatening storm, after lowering around, at length burst upon them. Their bark, though creditable as a specimen of rustic naval architecture, was but ill adapted to sustain its fury. It was a large double canoe, of singular construction: its length was forty feet, the depth twelve, and the width three feet, gradually diminished to a point at the extremity. Each canoe was composed of a number of planks of Barringtonia wood, frequently three feet broad. These were fixed on a strong frame-work, and sewn together with finely braided cinet. The hull was ornamented with carved work and painting, and decorated with large brilliant mother-of-pearl shells. The stem and stern were not only pointed, but elevated several

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feet above the centre; causing the vessel to resemble a floating crescent. The tackling, composed of cordage made with the twisted bark of a tree, was neither multiplied nor intricate; and the sails were of finelyWoven native matting. When they embarked from Tubuai, the size and figure of their vessel might inspire confidence, while it was but ill adapted to sustain the force of the storm, or urge its way against the elements which now raged around the voyagers, whom, in anger, the evil spirit, like a staunch murderer steady to his purpose,' appeared still to pursue.

"For a time they endeavoured to continue their course; but the increasing violence of the tempest obliged them to reduce their sails, and place their labouring bark in a position the least likely to be affected by the sea. The sun by day, and the moon and stars by night, were their only guides; and by these, instead of chart and compass, they steered their vessel; but the darkness of the storm and the night deprived them of the aid of these friendly lights, and rendered them unable to ascertain the course in which they were driven.

"While the tempest lasted, the preservation of their fragile bark was the chief object of their solicitude; but when, as this subsided, the horizon became clear, they cast around their anxious glance in hope of seeing land. Long they stretched the eager sight, but all was one unbroken sea. Their vessel, however, had outlived the storm; the agitated deep was calm, and the winds again blew gently. Thus encouraged, they loosed their palm-leaf sail, and hoping some friendly spirit would guide them to a hospitable shore, they seized the helm, and steered their way across the trackless waters. Each day when morning dawned they unloosed their sail, and some of the party took the steersman's post, while others stood upon the elevated prow, or climbed the slender mast, and eagerly looked out for land. Here, with transient intervals of rest, they kept their stations, until the rays of light gleamed faintly in the western sky, when they took in their sail, and, lying down in their wave cradled bark, sought relief and rest in sleep.

"Day after day was thus employed in sailing, sometimes in one direction and sometimes in another, but no sign of land appeared. Ignorant of the relative situation of the island they had left, as well as of that which they sought; wearied with constant watching and disappointment, their hopes languished. Their strength, wasted by fatigue, rendered them incapable of working their vessel, while the scanty fragments of their provision convinced them that if no other calamity befell them, famine would soon seal their doom. The implacable vengeance of the evil spirit seemed to pursue them still. Already they endured the daily augmenting misery of hunger and

thirst, anticipating that their vessel, hitherto the ark

of their safety, might become their grave, and perhaps bear to some distant shore their mingled skeletons, [a canoe arrived at the island they had left. some years before, containing only a human skeleton,] or sinking, consign the mariners, as some of them afterwards expressed it, to be devoured by the evil spirit in the deep,' they gave up hope of life. Their vessel was drifting they knew not whither; and they now abandoned all expectation that the supernatural beings, by whom they imagined their destruc

tion was determined, would relent.

"Three weeks had passed away, when hope again

broke on the voyagers, as the summits of Huahine

were seen from their vessel. This island is about three hundred miles from that which they had left;

though, from the direction in which they were sail

ing when discovered, it is evident they had traversed a much greater distance. The appearance of land relieved them from despair; but although the waves had conveyed them within sight of the shore, being unable to trim their sails, or steer their vessel, they were borne past the inviting object. It was under these circumstances that they were descried by the inhabitants of Huahine, at the time they were passing within a few miles of the coast.

Happily for them, there were several islands, with surrounding reefs, still before them; and in hopes that one of these might yet arrest their progress, they passed the day. The wind and the current conveyed them onward till they had passed the large islands of Raiatea, Tahaa, and Borabora. One little isle, Maurua, still remained in sight. It was their only hope, for had they passed this group, it is hardly possible that they could have existed till they should have reached the Harvey Islands, which are about 700 miles farther west. In this season of their extremity, He, whom winds and waves obey, and who unknown and unacknowledged by them, had hitherto watched over them, caused the waves to bear their bark towards the shore; and, though impeded by this barrier, the current eddied round the island, their canoe drifted to the coral reef, struck, and stayed its progress. The friendly natives no sooner saw the stranded vessel than they hastened to the reef, conveyed the famished and exhausted crew to

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the shore, and then removed their canoe to a place of security.

"The attention and hospitality of the Mauruans soon raised the spirits, and restored the strength of the strangers, who narrated to their friends the calamities that had befallen their country-the direful anger of the evil spirit-the perils of the tempest, and the distressing incidents of their voyage. The former, after listening with interest and sympathy to the recital of their sufferings, assured them that they themselves formerly attributed every ill to the malignity of evil spirits, whom they feared and worshipped; but now had learned that their destinies depended on a higher power-the living God, the Creator of the world, and the Preserver of mankind. Him, they said, they now desired to love and serve; and leading them to what were once regarded as their sacred groves, they pointed to demolished temples, broken altars, and mutilated idols, in confirmation of the impotency of their once dreaded, and, as they imagined, powerful gods.

"These things were no less new than startling to the strangers, who anxiously inquired what had induced this change. To this their friends replied, that many years ago, white men had come in ships from a distant land, bringing with them a Book, which they said made known the will of the true God; that these strangers took up their abode in one of the islands they had passed, and declared among the people that they were no gods that were made by man; that there was but one God, and that all men should render him homage and obedience; that costly offerings and human sacrifices could obtain no pardon for offenders; but that there was one, through whom his mercy was bestowed, the Saviour Jesus Christ. They told them too, that after many years, the people of those islands were convinced that what they said was true, demolished their temples, broke their altars, burnt their idols, and sought to know and to obey the Christian's God, and seek his favour through that Saviour whom the white man's book made known. They added, that the chieftains in the eastern islands, soon after this, proposed to them to do the same; and that although at first they feared the anger of the evil spirit, they had at length complied.

"This account increased the astonishment and curiosity of the strangers, who anxiously inquired if any of these individuals still remained; they were informed that some of them were residing in the neighbouring islands, the summits of whose mountains might be seen in the eastern horizon. Hither they determined to proceed; and when the wind blew from the west, the Austral Chief and his devoted hand again embarked, not to fly from the anger of a malignant deity, but to search for the white men, who could explain more fully the strange things they had heard.

"The winds were favourable, and they soon reached the nearest island, Borabora; but being unacquainted with the coast, they missed the entrance to the harbour. A boat came to them out at sea, and finding that they could not steer their vessel in, conveyed Auura and his wife, with one or two attendants, to the shore. Nothing could exceed the astonishment of the party as they landed on the strong and extensive pier or causeway, built of coral rock, and proceeded through the settlement to the white man's dwelling. They probably regarded Mr. Orsmond, the missionary residing there, as a superhuman being; and when they saw some of his books, remembering, perhaps, what they had heard about the knowledge derived from the white man's book, they asked if they were not tiis or spirits.

"The party that were left in the vessel proceeded to Raiatea, near which they were met by boats from the shore, and piloted into the harbour, whither they were soon followed by Auura, their chief. Here his astonishment was again excited, and he seemed to be transported into a new world. The white men and their families, the European dresses, hats, and bonnets of the natives; their neat white plastered dwellings, turning-lathes, forge, schools, chapel, &c. filled the voyagers with admiration and surprise. They were introduced to the king and chiefs, and treated with hospitality equal to that which they had received in the islands already visited. They became acquainted with the use of letters; and renouncing the gods of their ancestors, united with their friends in Christian worship.

"The society of their new friends, the novel and interesting pursuits, which daily added to their knowledge, and occupied their time, were eminently adapted to impart satisfaction and delight to the chief and his companions. Still their happiness was incomplete Auura was not a stranger to the kindling emotions of patriotism; and, though he had fled from his native land as the only means of escaping destruc tion, it was still his native land; and if any of its inhabitants survived, they were still his countrymen, Month after month passed away; and often they thought and spoke of their native home, and while the new and wondrous things they each day saw and heard, produced a deeper impression on their minds, 131.-VOL. XI.

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they became still more desirous to impart a knowledge of them to their former friends.

"No means of effecting this occurred until a vessel of auspicious name, The Hope, bound for England, touched at the island where they were residing. The captain, on being told their history and their wishes, generously offered to land them on their native island, near which his ship would pass. Auura and his friends received the announcement with demonstrations of the liveliest joy, and strongly impressed with a desire to benefit his countrymen by his return, he hastened to the white man's dwelling. His appearance and his speech upon this occasion were peculiarly affecting. He was in the prime of life, less than thirty years of age; his figure was tall and somewhat slender; a native pareu was bound around his waist, and a light scarf hung carelessly over his shoulder: his dark hair, curled slightly; and on his head he wore a curiously plaited helmet, surmounted with a palm-leaf tuft, which, waving in the wind, or bending gracefully with each movement of his head, added to the animation of his countenance. He addressed the missionaries in brief unstudied language, earnestly requesting them to visit his native island, or at least to send instructors. His request was made known to the inhabitants of the settlement, when two intelligent, industrious, and judicious christian men offered to accompany the party. The chiefs and people brought a number of useful iron t ols, which they presented to the stranger and his friends. They now collected writing paper, pens, ink, knives, scissors, tools, books, &c. for their own countrymen and their wives, who were excellent women, that they might instruct the people, among whom they were going, in useful arts as well as sacred truth.

"On the following morning, the people met in their neat and spacious chapel. Here Auura tendered his grateful acknowledgments for their kindness, and, with evident emotion, affectionately bade them farewell.

"The men who had so generously offered to accompany them, and who had that morning left their comfortable dwellings and their cultivated gardens, appeared there, attended by their wives, and one of them by his children; with mingled feelings they took their leave. They were now, by those who remained, committed in solemn prayer to the care of Him who rules the winds and waves, and is the confidence of them that are afar off on the sea.' The king, chiefs, teachers, and people, then exchanged their parting salutations, embarked in the boat, and proceeded to the ship. Numbers, anxious to defer the moment of final separation, attended them to the Hope; and, when they, and the Raiateans by whom they were accompanied, were safely on board, returned to the heach, watching, with intensity of feeling, the vessel, until its white sails appeared like a small speck in the distant horizon.

Three days after their departure, they beheld the summits of the Rurutuan mountains. When the vessel had approached within a few miles of the land, Auura and his friends entered the boat, and under strong and mingled feelings, proceeded to the shore, where he was welcomed by the remnant of his countrymen residing at the place. The tidings of his return soon spread through the island; and the whole population, small indeed since the removal of the Scourge from which he had fled, came to tender their congratulations. On the night of his arrival, Anura conveyed his own idol on board the ship in which he had returned; and on the following day convened a public meeting of his countrymen. In honour of the chief, they came arrayed in the dress and ornaments worn on public occasions, and presented a singular spectacle. Chiefs bore their curiously carved staves; warriors appeared with their plumed helmets and formidable spears; while the priests and others exhibited on their persons all the varieties of native costume.

"The little Christian band met the assembly; and Auura, demanding attention, narrated the incidents of his voyage, the countries he had visited, and informed them especially of the knowledge he had obtained respecting the true God; the destiny of man, and the means of securing lasting enjoyment in a future state; denouncing their invthology as falsetheir idols as mere images-their priests as impostors; and proposed to his countrymen to follow his example in renouncing their ancient religion, and adopting that which led to happiness in this world, and promised immortality. This startling proposition was opposed by the priests, but received with acclamation by others: among whom an aged man in particular, alluded to the momentous declarations that day made, that they had souls; that after death these souls would live-truths which, he said, they never heard before. After further opposition from some who, assuming all the wild attitude and gesture of a Delphic priestess, and pretending to be inspired by the gods, threatened vengeance, it was proposed to bring the power of the gods to public trial. A number of kinds of food were regarded by them as sacred, and it was declared,

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