The southern press., 1851-04-11
onddon's Lectures on Hrype.

io~ I1ai', on what ne styies GSyRs 5ose-
lations." We confess We were ~ highly pleased
by the agreeable manner in which the subject
was handled, as deeply interested in the matter
laid before u.s.
The subject was extremely well and clearly
treated, and gave evident satisfaction to an at
tentive and intelligent audience. And there
can bs no doubt, but that, independently of the
interest which the subject itself creates in ali
inquiring minds, the fact Of the lecturer having
been for long time resident in that singular
land, and consequently well acquainted with its
archaeological remains-while he is intimate
and has been fellow-explorer of its wonders,
with some Of the eminent men who have made
the subject their own--has tended not a little to
increase the curiosity which must be felt in the
Z" revelations"
We have already remarked, in short notice
we took Of his Panorama of the Nile, that no
subject could be more instructive or entertain
ing. We will venture to say even more. We
will assert, confidently, that one which touches
so nearly, and has so much relation to the his
torcal portion of the Bible, demands, If it does
not command, the attention Of all rejecting
minds For whatever can throw an additional
light upon any of its interesting details-what-
ever can increase the amount ard correctness of
our knowledge therein--whatevcr can elucidate
doubtful points, or explain erroneous interpre-
tations, is SO much gained to the cause Of re-
Iigion, and so much taken from superstition.
The mind, too, is improved, and its comprc-
hension of right things enlarged by all increase
of knowledge of SO important nature.
The tendency Of the human mind at the pre-
sent day is, more decidedly than ever, towards
ascertainig the TRuTH-not for the purpose of
weakening points of faith, as--from greater
confidence in religion, derived from more en-
Iightened comprehension of its unalterable and
exalting characteristic increase its influence, by
enlargipg the base of facts and common sense
on which it must stand.
Besides, the more the mind is enlightened by
facts in confirmation Of religious truth, the more
it is released from the demoralizing influences
of belief, real or pretended, in things not COM
pretended or absolutely inexact. Such credit
given to falsehood under the guise Of religion,
blinds and duls the senses to right apprecia-
tion Of the higher order Of religious sentiment,
cramps the mind limits the judgment, leads by
easy steps TO preference for things false and
mysterious, and thus lowering and debasing the
moral feelings which cannot be too high or too
elevated, gives birth to, and goes hand in hand
with that intoerant spirit which for so many
centuries has filled the world with fanatics, hy-
pocrites, and assassins.
We therefore hail with pleasure every fresh
revelation resulting from the researches of the
lovers of truth, of every order, as an additional
pile driven into the earth to support the great
edi6ce of religion.
The providential preservation of the monu-
ments of Egypt is, in its way, miracle, des-
tined to remove much of the stumbling block
of error originating in ignorance and misinter.
pretation, and maintained by habit or super
stition.
Religion can never be shaken by the discov-
cries of the learned, or by the progress of sci
ence. To suppose SO, is to suppose contra
diction and an impossibi!ity--it is to confuse
together in the mind superstition, or the faith in
falsehoods or foolish practices, with religion, or
the faith in truth. AS well might men talk of
arguing away limb, or ridding themselves of a
portion of their brains, AZ of roofing out or de-
stroying the sentiment of religion! The worst
that has befallen man, has been to become, or
pretend to be a doubter upon all such matters,
through Indignation at having been led to give
blind credence to things false. And how many
of these has not political igion-religon en-
forced by law for the benefit Of class--cre-
ated? How many, while outwardly practising
every form, and fulfilling every letter of the
Rubrics," have lost all confidence, in losing the
hope of unraveling an interested mysti6cation
1t is not then the discoveries of the learned,
nor the writings of philosophers, that injure the
cause of religion; but the obstinate teachings
of irrational and unnatural superstition, which
by men who in general do not believe in them
or whose convictions are founded on habit and
interest.
To restore the balance of truth, and place it
on firm foundation, Egypts revelations are of
the highest importance, and must inevitably
bring the mind to juster appreciation of things
as they we're and of faith, tolerant and liberal,
as it ought to be.
The leading subject Of Mr. GLDDos's first
lecture, was Egypt's place in The porlds history
at the present time. To make this point more
Ineligible, he began by placing before his
hearers, first, facts connected with the antiquity
of MSS. handed down to us in different Ian
guages and secondly, by showing at what period
the history Of various ancient nations loses it.
self in fable. We have not sufficiently exam.
ined the subject to express an opinion as to the
value of the proofs he adduces to sustain his
allegations. He says Of MSS, there is lot a
- I U,b~ c. Il I a.