The new era., 1860-05-10
81 eIectzp
TIL e DRUIDS

Tie Druids were the representatives.
OF the religion, learning and science of
ancient Britain AS it was a maxim
with them to commi, nothing to writing,
we obtain all orr Inform alton about them
from foreign sources. principally from
the classic writings Of Julius C@zar,
Starbo, and Tactitus.
From these authorities we lea n that
tho Druids wcrshiped tie n,istletoe and
the oak. The oak tree was regarded
by them as the representative and spe-
cial emolem Of the Deity. Hence they
planted groves of them. and beneath
their shades they taught religion, ad-
ministered justice, and communicated
instruction 10 the people. We are
aware that Druidism has been regarded
as saagulnary superstition, a terrible
priestly despotsm. But there is good
reason to believe that this religion was
once a system ofpure morality and JUS
tice, and that it exercised an enlighten-
ing and beneficial influence over the
people
There is authentic evidence that the
Draids taught the Immortality of the
soul, the existence Of God, and the
practice OF the strctest morality and
justice. They usually taught in groves
CT oak, which were of circular form,
and fenced round with stones. The av-
enues TO the innermost recesses Of the
grove were carefully guarded so as to
prevent strangers from intruding on
their solemn mysteries. The alter OF
tie Druids consisted of three rough
stones, two being placed vertically as
uPrghts or supports, and the third
stone was then placed horizontally Oh
their summit, forming rough, unhewn
table, on which the sacrifices were Of
fercd. The sacrifices consisted Of fine
| -four mingled with salt
Beneath these holo we'd groves, sa-
cred to contemplation and study, the
Drulds administered justice and equity
TO the peogle. Against their decision
there was 40 appeal. All who refused
to abide by it we're accounted impious.
denied access to the alter, and placed
without the protection of the laws.
The condition Of the arts and sciences
amongst the Druids appears to have
been very humble Their temples were
generally without roof, consisting of
a circular row Of stones, in the center
OF which their cTomlechs or rock-alters
were erected. We are told that the
Druids held It unlawful to worship the
Deity under roofs, from certain sublime
notions Of the Divine omnipresence but
it IS most probable that the extreme
structural simplicity of their temples and
alters originated in their want OF archi-
tecturai and mechanical skill.
On an extensive plain situated near
the city of Salisbury, England, are to be
seen the interesting remains of an an
cicnt DruidcaI temple. These remains
consist Of several large blocks Of stone
many tons in weight, which have been
elevated and placed horizontally on the
top of other blocks. To cut these stones
and transport them from the quarry to
their present elevation, certainly was
impossible without knowledge of the
mechanical powers.
In astronomy and botany, the Druids
aPear 10 have made very considerable
advances. We are told that they were
acquainted with the fact Of the spherici-
ty ofsthe earth, and cnnld foretell eclips-
es. The circle appears to have been a
favorite figure with the Druids. Their
temples were generally situated on lofty
eminences which commanded an exten-
sive view of the heavens, and from
which the sun, moon and PLANETS could
be observed. 1t is probable that the
Druids were aware of the medicinal
properties of plants, for they spent the
greater part of THAR time in the recesses
Of mountains and groves, where the
spontaneous productions of the earth
presented themselves and naturally
courted their attention.
The Druids were celebrated for their
eloque. ce, and they had many opportuni-
ties for its exercise, as when they plead
ed in courts of justice, or harangued in
the great councils of the nation when
they addressed armies on the point of
engaging in battle, at one time to in
flame their courage, at another. time to
allay their fury. This last, though
task of great difficulty among warlike
nations, they sometimes accomplished,
thus bringing about friendly settle
ment and mutual adjustment Of griev-
ances.
/ Let not the memory of this ancient
religion pass away forever from mems
minds The rude rock-alter still sur
/, wives in its structural simplicity, and
marks the spot where stood the conse-'
Grated groves Of Druidism -4Er.ss