"A strong argument in favour of his fidelity, may be drawn from the accuracy of his geographical descriptions. His unaffected account of the simplicity of ancient manners, agrees remarkably with the writers of the Old Testament, and suggests the similarity of character which prevailed between the patriarchs of Canaan, and the patriots of Greece."

Amongst the numerous Grecian histories which modern times have produced, there are several which rank high in point of literature. Had Christian writers, who have bestowed no small pains to appreciate classical merit and genius, been as studious of detecting the false estimate of character, and the mistaken notion of virtue, which the fascinating compositions of Homer and Virgil convey;-had they pointed out that the heroism which had been so celebrated and admired, was under the influence of passions which Christianity condemns, their boasted excellencies would then have appeared to be but gilded vices. Those achievements of military prowess, which have been surrounded with illusive splendour, would have served only as a foil to heighten the lustre of that inestimable gem, christian charity; that panacea of human nature, which is thus described: "Charity suffereth long and is kind; envieth not; vaunteth

not itself; is not puffed up; seeketh not its own; is not easily provoked; thinketh no evil; beareth all things; hopeth all things; endureth all things."

Whilst we are on this subject, we have the satisfaction of announcing to our Readers, the first volume of a publication which should be in the hands of all persons who acquire a classical education. It appears to be the sole aim of the Author, to apply a valuable, but perverted branch of literature, to its most legitimate and beneficial purpose, by rendering it a vehicle of religious instruction. With this view he has endeavoured to bring the characters and events, most celebrated in ancient history, to the light of truth, to contemplate them through a sacred medium, and to try them by the hallowed test of christian principles.

It is with pleasure we here give a specimen of this author's qualifications, satisfactorily to perform the task which he has undertaken: "The review of antiquity is indeed, in many respects, calculated to abase the pride of man. Through the dim mist that hangs over former and far distant ages, scarcely can we discern characters

≈ Studies in History, by T. Morell.

once deemed most illustrious, and events once considered most deeply interesting. Where are Sicyon, or Thebes, Argos, or Troy? Can even their ruins be found? or if some of them can be indistinctly traced by the antiquarian, where is now their former splendour and power? What is become of all the political influence they once possessed among the nations? How many persons that were once pre-eminent, are now forgotten? The victories they won, the monarchies they founded, or overthrew, together with the frail records of their exploits--all these have been long since torn from the scroll of fame, by the ruthless hand of time.

"Of many others, there remains but a tedious detail of their names and race, with the places of their birth and death; whilst the splendid deeds that gained them the applause of unnumbered myriads, are swept into the gulph of oblivion. Yet these, in their day, were as famous as they, who, in later times, have entered the lists of fame; and, in the pride of their hearts, have supposed their names would prove immortal. It cannot be too deeply impressed upon our minds, that immortality is the gift, not of man, but of God; and that the honour which is unfading, is not that which men receive one of another, but that which comes from God only."

War was the principal employment of the Greeks, and they were ignorant of the law of nations, which is so necessary to restrain and soften the ferocity of human nature. This law, continues the Abbé Millot, which is founded upon the first principles of nature and morality, is, at bottom, the law of humanity. The reciprocal duties of nations are the same as those of individuals. And a sensible mind can never hear that expression, the right of the strongest, but with horror; an expression which must have been derived from the right of cannibals.

With respect to the temper of the Greeks, in war, they appear but little removed from a savage state. Fierce in combat, and equally so after victory, they treated their prisoners, even women and princesses, with slavery and sufferings worse than death; we must therefore have a dreadful idea of reprisals. And many ages passed, before men seemed to be sensible how much it would be to their advantage to do good to their fellow creatures.

Oracles were blindly credited at that time, and nothing was done without them; the awkward artifices of priests and priestesses imposed upon every body. Whatever wonders have been related of them, an unprejudiced mind cannot be imposed upon by them, after the slightest examina

tion. He will see equivocal answers artfully expressed, as if the divinity was afraid the event should give him the lie.

The oracle of Trophonius at Lebadea, a city of Boeotia, is thus described: "The place was a dark cavern, so low that the person consulting the oracle was obliged to enter on his hands and knees, and lying on the ground, to wait the response. The situation, the mysterious noises which proceeded from the depth of the cavern, the thick darkness in which they were enveloped —all were calculated to produce a powerful effect on the deluded votaries. Their senses were deceived; their feelings highly excited; terror shook their frames; and under these strong impressions of body and mind, they were prepared to receive with awe whatever reply the artifice of the priest might suggest." The Greeks used therefore to say of a very melancholy person, he has been consulting the oracle of Trophonius.

From this statement it sufficiently appears, that these oracles were a gross imposition, on the ignorance and credulity of mankind. Their effects must have been baneful, when their venality excited every species of bribery and corruption, and their dissimulation promoted duplicity and deceit.

But if we pass on to the historical ages, we