permitting of the laity to have the books of the Old or New Testament, unless any one should wish, from a feeling of devotion, to have a Psalter or Breviary for divine service, or the hours of the blessed Mary. But we strictly forbid them to have the above-mentioned books in the vulgar tongue." "The Scriptures and books of controversy, says S. Liguori, may not be permitted in the vernacular tongue, as also they cannot be read without permission.” Pope Leo. XII. in his encyclical letter, dated May, 1824, writes—“We, also, Venerable Brethren, in conformity with our apostolic duty, exhort you to turn away your flock, by all means, from these poisonous pastures, (the Scriptures translated into the vulgar tongue.) Reprove, beseech, be instant in season and out of season, in all patience and doctrine, that the faithful entrusted to you (adhering strictly to the rules of our Congregation of the Index,) be persuaded that if the Sacred Scriptures be every where indiscriminately published, more evil than advantage will arise thence on account of the rashness of men." Let those Romanists who tell us that the free circulation of the Scriptures is not only permitted, but approved, produce their "strong reasons" in opposition to these authorities. And now what says Rome respecting the worship of the Virgin Mary. The Laity's Directory for the year 1833, contains this blasphemous exhortation, "That all may have a successful and happy issue, let us raise our eyes to the most blessed Virgin Mary, who alone destroys heresies-who is our greatest hope, yea the entire ground of our hope." The Athanasian Creed, as given by St. Bonaventure, makes this heinous doctrine a sine qua non. "Whosoever wishes to be saved it is necessary, above all things, that he have a firm faith concerning Mary, which, unless he keep whole and entire, he will, without doubt, perish eternally. The ninety-fifth Psalm is thus paraphrased by St. Bonaventure, "O come, let us sing unto our Lady, let us heartily rejoice in Mary our queen, who brings us salvation. Let us come before her presence with joy, and praise her together in songs," &c. To know plainly what Rome teaches, is to be forewarned against her soul-destroying doctrines. Let us, at all events, know that she comes to us with a lie in her right hand. HINDOO ESTIMATE OF A WIFE. THERE is great danger of the girls brought up in the boarding schools, becoming, in their own estimation, "too much fine ladies;" and I have known instances in which their husbands have said, "Very fine wife mine; can read fine, write fine, work fine, has got plenty sense, but she cannot draw water, clean the house, cook rice; she must learn to do this." This is what I think, after all, very necessary for a good wife to be able to do; for good reading will not feed a hungry man, nor being able to "work fine" compensate for a dirty house.Mrs. E. Porter's Letter to Female Education Society. Enquiries and Correspondence. 16. Loss of Memory. DEAR SIR,-Finding, from previous numbers of your valuable Magazine, that questions on subjects of an interesting or useful nature are entertained, it has occurred to me that among the number of your contributors many might be found able, and some perhaps willing, to throw out a few hints on the subject upon which I propose writing. For some time past I have been troubled with a considerable loss of memory-the more perplexing and remarkable as I have but lately passed the period of youth, being nearer twenty than thirty. My reasoning powers are strong; and no greater trials, I believe, than those to which we are all at times liable have fallen to my lot during the past year, from which period I date the gradual loss of my memory in every day matters. I am in general in good health-not often dejected, not subject to depression of spirits, and am ordinarily considered cheerful, or even merry. But frequently, when suddenly asked a question, whatever may be my employment at the time, I am unable to frame a reply, or even to form a conjecture as to its meaning, and am obliged, after a few moments of uncertainty, to answer at random, or ask to have the question repeated. This same failing also causes me to misname people and things, and contradict one moment what I asserted the moment before, and therefore to call forth all the quizzing propensities of my friends, who rally me upon pre-occupation of mind, and enquire playfully, and sometimes earnestly, the cause. And it is but natural that those most interested in my happiness should be concerned in presuming (however erroneously) that some serious grief, or weighty secret, thoroughly absorbs me, when I am unable, if surprised into conversation, to draw my mind to the present scene. Among a large circle of friends I observe, in many instances, the loss of active every-day memory-that is, the memory required for passing events, and for conversation; and that not among those only, with whom from recent heavy afflictions or weak intellect we might reasonably expect to find it—but among those who, like myself, have none of these pleas to offer as their excuse; and are also young and comparatively free from care. Possibly it might not be unimportant to trace generally the eauses of this loss of memory, with the remedy; for though I have not discovered any means of restoration, I am as convinced that this blessing can be restored, as I am that cheerfulness, love of music or society, or many of the other blessings alike given to the evil and the good, can be re-attained after a temporary loss. If you feel that any hints can be thrown out to elucidate this subject, and will allow those hints to be inserted in your Magazine, you will, I am convinced, be doing important service to many of your readers, and above all to your sincere well-wisher and servant, A SUBSCRIBER. 17. Soul and Spirit. DEAR SIR,-In the Bible mention is often made of "Soul and Spirit." You would much oblige me if you would show me the difference, if there be any? Yours respectfully, PLIABLE. 18. Parental Authority. WILL Mr. Editor oblige the writer, by answering the following question in his valuable Periodical : "Is it the duty of children to submit to their parents, however unreasonable their conduct may be towards them? If not, how are they to behave under such circumstances? M. A. POETRY. MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PERES. "On that night was Belshazzar, the king of the Chaldeans, slain." Dan. v. 30. "That night!" thou proud Chaldean king! Thy last of regal state, What record bore it on its wing To God's tribunal great? How passed those hours, whilst on his way The pale destroyer sped, In haste, his mission to obey, We ask, and for an answer turn And mirth and revelry resound The dance, and song, and music, bear And wine is in abundance there, Inflaming every heart. A mandate issues from the king, Our festive wine to hold." "From them we'll drink, and loud and high We'll sing our gods' great fame; With sparkling wine the vessels ply, Pour forth to Bäal's name!" They drink, their gods of gold they praise, "Tis drunken riot all: But whence this change? all turn to gaze The fingers of a hand appear, Their meaning to convey. But human skill avails not here, Instructed from on high, appears By whom the stricken monarch hears "PERES-the kingdom, no more thine, -An evening feast-a midnight tomb- God's holy name he dared to slight, But judgment came, for " on that night Appear inscribed on earth; But judgment not less sure and dread, To fall on that devoted head Who thus God's anger dares. |