nothing. It might seem, therefore, that it only remained for this principle to permeate gradually the whole body of society. But at this point the Semitic intuition came into contact with Aryan thought as developed in the civilisation of Greece and Rome. Very different was the Aryan to the Semitic. With lofty powers of intellect capable of apprehending ideas of the most abstract character, the Aryan delighted at the same time in attempting to embody, or in some way make visible to the outward eye what was already present to his consciousness. To take an illustration from our present subject. In paintings and statues he strove to embody ethical principles. Thus the statues of the gods were not merely statues of this or that particular deity, but realisations in human shape of some virtue, more or less akin to the conception of that deity. Thus these statues became, so to speak, personifications of the principles of justice, integrity, modesty or chastity. When, therefore, the abstract idea of duty to society* had to be expressed to the Aryan mind it needed some personification—some ideal man in whose life the doctrine might be seen at work, to whom later teachers could point as the realisation of their teaching. In whom that ideal was found I need hardly say. Suffice it to say that henceforth the law became this: To act so that Christ should approve our conduct. To those who have considered how slowly human nature changes, it will not seem strange that this ideal did not at once obtain recognition. There were many hindrances in the way; some arising from imperfect and varying modes of expressing the ideal (theology, as we call it), others arising from the imperfect state of society itself. Yet gradually and surely it did leaven all classes, till nominally, at least, it was acknowledged by the whole of modern civilisation. Yet it did not work alone. As intuition neared its end, another method of thought was gradually gaining strength, destined in course of time to strengthen and supplement the teaching of the former. This-known to us as the Inductive method of modern science-we reserve for another paper. This one we will conclude by briefly collecting our results. We have seen humanity progressing under the influence of a peculiar power of perceiving truth in all spheres of life. We have seen this power in the sphere of ethics, guiding the Semetic race (in the person of its representative nation) to the knowledge of the great motive of action; and, lastly, we have seen this principle embodied in a person, transmitted from the Semites to the Aryans, and now forming the basis of our own ethical system. J. FENTON. THE MONARCHS. IN the old time of earth, Three monarchs held their sceptres over men: The thunder peal'd and echo answer'd then War was his name; his reign was heaven-cursed, Yet was his power divided, and a king And on a day of smiling after tears, Came a fair being on the wings of light, To gain dominion over hates and fears, And reign with Peace in Heaven-bestowed might. Hail to the right! Now, over some, stern War is monarch still, Beyond recall. HALL KEYWORTH. DR. SHARPER was sitting in his parlour, on the morning of the 27th of July, reading his correspondence, preparatory to the full enjoyment of his daily paper. The last letter he opened was from Alfred Huntingdon. It was very short, and it struck the Doctor as being rather less friendly in tone than he had expected. It ran: DEAR SIR,-Circunstances compel me to alter my plans, and I shall be unable to accompany you in your proposed visit to Eichelskamp.-Yours truly, ALFRED HUNTINGDON. "That's rather curt," said Dr. Sharper, to himself, as he took up his newspaper and began to read. He had not gone far before a faint whistle of astonishment burst from his puckered lips. "Oh, that is the unexpected circumstance is it? No wonder he won't go, poor devil; and, by Jove, I won't either. Why, the girl is there! I will write to Doctor Schlagenweit, and put of my visit." A knock at the door interrupted his meditations, and a servant girl announced "Thomas, the waiter from the Hoy.'" "Oh, it's you; what's the matter this time?" exclaimed the Doctor. "You have not got another case of delirium tremens in your establishment?" "Now that is very odd, sir, that you should ask me that question, for between you and me and the post, as old friends, I may say, I have come up about that very case of delirious trimmings that you had to call in Doctor Wheedle and Spicer to, when you did not know what to do." "What do you mean, Thomas? Do you suppose that when three medical men meet in consultation, it is because-bah! what is the use of talking to you? Go on with your story your own way." THE MONARCHS. IN the old time of earth, Three monarchs held their sceptres over men: The thunder peal'd and echo answer'd then War was his name; his reign was heaven-cursed, Yet was his power divided, and a king Of gentle presence ruled on diverse throne; Peace he was call'd, and did his coming bring Joy to the hearts of men; in clarion-tone Shout him a welcoming. And on a day of smiling after tears, Came a fair being on the wings of light, And reign with Peace in Heaven-bestowed might. Now, over some, stern War is monarch still, Beyond recall. HALL KEYWORTH. DR. SHARPER was sitting in his parlour, on the morning of the 27th of July, reading his correspondence, preparatory to the full enjoyment of his daily paper. The last letter he opened was from Alfred Huntingdon. It was very short, and it struck the Doctor as being rather less friendly in tone than he had expected. It ran: DEAR SIR,-Circunstances compel me to alter my plans, and I shall be unable to accompany you in your proposed visit to Eichelskamp.-Yours truly, ALFRED HUNTINGDON. "That's rather curt," said Dr. Sharper, to himself, as he took up his newspaper and began to read. He had not gone far before a faint whistle of astonishment burst from his puckered lips. Oh, that is the unexpected circumstance is it? No wonder he won't go, poor devil; and, by Jove, I won't either. Why, the girl is there! I will write to Doctor Schlagenweit, and put of my visit." A knock at the door interrupted his meditations, and a servant girl announced “Thomas, the waiter from the ' Hoy.'' "Oh, it's you; what's the matter this time?" exclaimed the Doctor. "You have not got another case of delirium tremens in your establishment?" 'Now that is very odd, sir, that you should ask me that question, for between you and me and the post, as old friends, I may say, I have come up about that very case of delirious trimmings that you had to call in Doctor Wheedle and Spicer to, when you did not know what to do." "What do you mean, Thomas? Do you suppose that when three medical men meet in consultation, it is because-bah! what is the use of talking to you? Go on with your story your own way.' |