Classical Theology.—Lxxxiii.

a new deity under the name of Irmensula , was formed to super-mediate in the supremacy of Thor . It has been pointed out that this institution of a deity of a different nature , and adored distinctively is so far from being

confined to mythology , that parallel cases are frequently to be found in the earlier periods of religion authenticated by history , yet still leading sometimes to such difficulties that no researches anticeedine- their eras have hitherto been able to

elucidate . We can but admit this to a circumscribed extent to be the truth , almost if not all national systems of religions account in themselves for their change that is to say , they offer some exfilanation for any change that may have

occurred . Idolatrous worship became or spread till it was universal , ancl although God in His own image , or God with us , has instructed man on earth , one form after another of church service , has met with condemnation and been left to

desolation . Yet still Christianity , in itself , like a tender mother , is more and more extending its compassion and gathering a subdued world to its divine bosom and embrace . This holy Christianity does not flonnt in gawdy robes and adventurous

ceremonies ; it is not the eye , but the heart alone it would influence ancl attract ; therefore human loving kindness and angelic simplicity , complete the perfection of its beauty , which when unadorned is adorned the most .

The goddess Rheda , or Eastre of the Anglo-Saxon , was of Eastern origin , as her name , which signifies "from the East , " implies . A special worship was paid to her in March , hence Rhedmonath ; and hence , from the Festival of Eastre ,

because it happened in this month , and had a corresponding O . S . date , the anniversary of the resurrection of our Lord is by the English called Easter .

Of the religion of the Celts , whose priests were the Druicls , little appears for certain to be known , though we hear of Druidical lodges in mystical order to this day . Tacitus and C ' sesar scarcely more than inform us that Mars and Mercury were

held in honour by the Celts as the chief gods , and that the general bearing of their reli gion was gloomy and cruel ; the horrible institution of human sacrifices being amongst their rites . It mingled with some of its observances some of the

mythological theology of the North , whilst in other respects it was totally distinct . Bryant and others are of opinion that their principal object of

Classical Theology.—Lxxxiii.

worship was the Sim , ancl they would farther show that the Druids were followers of the occult science ofthe Persian Magi .

The Nemesis: A Tale Of The Days Of Trajan.

THE NEMESIS : A TALE OF THE DAYS OF TRAJAN .

By Bso . A . ONEAL HAVE , KM ., K . Cal ., Corresponding Member of the German Society , Leipsig , Knight Templar , Scot . ; Author of " The History ofthe Knights Templars ;" " Vara Queer ; " " Gatherings in Wanderings ; " "Songs and Ballads ,- " "Poemata ; " "Legends of Edinburgh . ' " < 5 ' c , § 'c ., < 5 "c .,- Poet Laureate of the Canongate , Kilwinning ; P . M . St . Stephens ; P . P . Z . of St . Andrews , P-. A .

Chap . ; Sfc . ; § c . ( Continued from page 348 . ) CHAPTER X . A ROMAN P UBLISHER . "He hath a rare store of works , Sir , curiously written , and

rarely illumined . Wilt thou step in , Sir , his scribes are at work npon another poet ' s poem ?" A feAV mornings after the boar hunt , Caius , on his way to the palace of the emperor , called in at the shop of Marcus , the Bibliopole , in the

Argiletus , to whose charge he had committed the transcribing of his poems , and whose slaves were then busily engaged upon the work . One copy Marcus had had that morning completed , in the highest style of penmanship , by the hand of his

most experienced slave , which was intended for presentation to no less a person than the Emperor Trajan . It had become quite fashionable before the reign of Trajan , for the wealthy Romans to form a private library , which was meant more for show than reading-. The larser the

library , the higher was the owner's rank and fashion . The book trade thus received an immense impetus , for Tryphon , Quinctillian ' s publisher , kept a numerous staff of copyists and illuminators in constant employment ; ancl large

sums were readily given for new works . For a portion of his immense extracts the elder Pliny was offered 400 , 000 sesterces , upwards of £ 3 , 000 sterling . Martial , who was a Roman Grub-street hack , ancl wrote for bread , in his Epigrams , gives

some interesting accounts of the trade . An accpiaintance , who broadly hinted that a present of his works would be acceptable , was told by the needy poet that a copy might readily be had from Tryphon . A good copy of his first book of

Epigrams sold for five denarii , about os . 8 d . as he informs us in his works . Caius on entering the shop , found Balbus there to whom the Bibliopole was showing the new book .