Classical Theology.—Lxxxii.

poreal form of some one of the elements : for example , as so finely described by Byron in his "Manfred . " Spirit . The thing Mortals call death hath nought to do with us .

Manfred . 1 then have called yo from yonr realms in vain ; Ye cannot , or ye will not , aid me . Spirit . Say . AVhat we possess we offer : it is thine . Bethink , ere thou dismiss us . Ask again : Kingdom , and sway , and strength , and length of days ?

Manfred . Accursed ! what have I to do with days ? They are too long already . * * * Spirit . Bethink thee -. is there then no other gift That we can make not worthless in thine eyes ? Manfred . No , none -. yet , stay—one moment ere we part . I would behold ye face to face . I hear

Your voices sweet and melancholy sounds , As music on the waters ; and I see The steady aspect of a clear large star ; But nothing more . Approach me as ye are , Or one , or all , in your accustomed forms . Spirit . AVe have no forms beyond the elements , Of which we are the mind and principle . But choose a form—in that we will appear .

Manfred . I have no choice : there is no form on earth Hideous or beautiful to me . Let one AVho is most powerful of ye take such aspect As to that one may seem most fitting . Come ! Seventh Spirit ( appearing in the shape of a beautiful female figure ) . Behold ! Manfred . 0 God ! if it he thus , aud thou

Art not a madness and a mockery , I yet might be most happy . I will clasp thee , And we again will be ( The figure vanishes )

In our days , too , spirit-manifestation , under a Christian dispensation , and , as it Avere , government , is averred , particularly in America , independent of any mediumship or seance , as a general and available fact .

In accordance Avith this soul-existant , Avorldblending mortality with immortality , Byron , if no spiritualist , has , nevertheless , so identified his descriptive knoAvledge of ghostly individuality Avith the present extensive communion AAdth

immaterial existence as might induce the supposition of his haAnng been thereby inspired . In reference thereunto , Ave again quote from the same spiritually philosophical dramatic poem , but , of course , in contrasting its scenes Avith modern spiritualism ,

allowances must be made for their classical action and histrionic effect ; the shade of "Astarte , however , portrays that similitude of identity Avhich is to be found in the real spirit world , although , at the same time , Ave Avould here the more point out

that the highest knoAvledge of the visible presence of the spirit or spirits , is such that can only be acquired by searching the Scriptures , that treat of

angel or angels' visits to us from above , or of Christ , Avho is the " Resurrection and the Life . " MANFRED . —SCENE IV . The hall of Arimanes . * ARIHAMS on his throne , a globe of fire , surrounded by the spirits .

Hymn of the Spirits . Hail to our Master , Prince ol Earth and Air ! f AVho walks the clouds and waters—in his hand The sceptre of the elements , which tear Themselves to chaos at his high command . ' He breatheth , and a tempest shakes the sea ;

He speaketh , and the clouds reply in thunder ; He gazeth , from his glance the sunbeams flee ; He moveth , earthquakes rend the world asunder . Beneath his footsteps the volcanoes rise ; His shadow is the pestilence ; his path The comets herald through the crackling skies ; . The planets turn to ashes at his wrath ; To him war offers daily sacrifice ;

To him death pays his tribute ; life is his ,, With all its infinite of agonies—And his the spirit of whatever is ' . Enter the Destinies and NEMESIS .-1 st Des . Glory to Arimanes ! 2 nd Des . Glory to Arimanes ! Srd Des . Glory to Arimanes 1 Nem . Sovereign of sovereigns , t

Enter M . A'SKtED' * . A spirit . AVhat is here ? A mortal ! Thou most rash and fatal wretchj . Bow down and worship ! Second Spirit . I do know the man—A magician of great power , and fearful skill ! Third Spirit . Bow down and worship , slave !

AVhat , knowest thou not Thine , and our Sovereign ? Tremble , and obey ! All the Spirits , prostrate thyself , and thy condemned clay ,. Child of the earth ! or dread the worst . Manfred . I know it : And yet ye see I kneel not .

Fourth Spirit . "Twill be taught thee . Manfred . 'Tis taught already . Fifth Spirit . Doest thou dare Refuse to Arimanes on his throne What the whole world accords , beholding nob The terror of his Glory ? Crouch ! I say .

Manfred . Bid him how down to that which is above liim _ - The everlasting Infinite—the Maker , Who made him not for worship—let him kneel , And we will kneel together . The Spirits . Crush the worm ? Tear him in pieces !

First Destiny . Hence ! avaunt ! he's mine-Prince of the Powers Invisible ! This man Is of no common order , as his port And presence here denote ; his sufferings Have been of an immortal nature , like