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60

VIOLENCE OF THE SPANIARDS,

most hateful and revolting cruelties were practised; and thousands perished in sorrow and shame, who, till they knew the victors of 1492, had lived happily and cherished life as dear. Such deeds have met their own recompense. With the Moors, the domestic wealth and the arts of commerce and agriculture quitted Spain; and in looking at her present condition, we cannot but feel, that the poisoned chalice has long been returned to her own lips, and tainted all the sources of national prosperity."

"How melancholy it is, papa," said Ellen, "to see whole nations so insensible to their best interests. My wishes and affections were all on the side of the Moors."

"The religion of Mahomed," said Mr. Delville, " and the energy of his followers in spreading it, was no doubt a scourge, in the hand of God, to punish the general corruption of the world; and when its purpose was accomplished, its power crumbled away more rapidly than it rose. It is highly deserving our attention to mark how the Almighty brings good out of evil. By the conquest of Constantinople the Grecian fugitives carried into Italy the Scriptures in the Greek tongue, and taught that language to all the celebrated men of that age. Thus, in Rome itself, a way was prepared for a critical and profound knowledge of the new Testament; and a reference to its doctrines, a

ITS CONSEQUENCES TO THEMSELVES.

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few years afterwards, occasioned that resistance to the papal power that eventually led to the Reformation. If we look at history merely as a cold narrative of peace and war, it will give us little instruction; but if we examine it in all its bearings; if we trace the influence of events, trifling in themselves, but important in their consequences, we shall invariably see the hand of divine Providence, in the whole chain of circumstances; and perceive, that though God frequently brings good out of evil, wickedness is sooner or later visited with severe punishment. When we calmly view the history of Spain, and see it loaded, as a nation, with the guilt of innocent blood, we cannot wonder at its decay, even though the wealth of the new world was poured into its coffers. She remains, at this day, with uncommon advantages of territory and position, a ruined and exhausted nation."

"These moral retributions," said Mrs. Delville, "have a salutary influence: they strengthen our conviction in an overruling Providence."

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OLD CASTILLE-BURGOS-WONDERFUL IMAGE-MEAT IN LENT-SPANISH NOBILITY.

THE first entrance into Castille is picturesque. The road lies through a narrow defile, between bold and steep rocks; but gradually the scenery assumes a tamer character, and, after a few miles, nothing but a flat corn-country is to be seen on all sides. The first object the travellers saw, on entering Burgos, was the cathedral, with its elegant pinacles rising high above every other building. Their first care was to visit it. This beautiful Gothic edifice is at the extremity of the city, almost opposite to one of the three bridges over the Arlançon. Its extent is so vast that mass might be performed at the same time in its eight chapels, without causing any confusion. This edifice and the Alhambra, of Grenada, are said to have a striking similarity to the celebrated mosque of St. Oram, at Jerusalem. In one of the chapels is a fine picture of the Virgin Mary dressing the infant Jesus, who is standing on a table. It is by Michael Angelo. Ellen Delville had a taste

EFFECT OF PICTURES IN CHURCHES.

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for painting, and her father called her attention to it.

"Look, Ellen," he said, "at the strength and correctness of this design; how well the draperies are disposed; and how beautifully the linen, which the Virgin holds in her hand, and is about to roll round the infant Christ, adds, by contrast, to the effect of the whole."

Ellen looked with great admiration; but after a few moments' silence, she said: "Papa, beautiful as this picture is, it hardly seems to me to suit the place when we look at the solemnity of this Gothic edifice all such ornaments seem out of character. The painted window, with its mellow tints, admitting the sober day, is in unison with every thing around us; but the picture, to my mind, beautiful as it is, takes away from the singleness of our admiration.”

"I understand and like your feeling, Ellen. It is a subject that has been much debated, but seldom on so poetical a ground as you have chosen. Protestants, who are accustomed to worship in a spiritual manner the unrepresented Divinity, object to the introduction of pictures in a church; while the Catholics assert that they assist and even purify devotion."

"I would not exclude them from all churches, papa; only from such an ancient of days as this

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SUPERSTITION, HOW TO DEAL WITH IT.

is. In more modern edifices it would make a beautiful altar-piece."

Their guide, the sacristan, here came up, and intimated that he had something to show them infinitely more deserving their attention. He led them out of the church, across the bridge, through the adjoining suburb, into a dark chapel, perfumed with incense and dimly lighted by silver lamps. He conducted them into this mysterious abode with so solemn a manner, that Frank laughed and Ellen drew closer to her mother.

"What are we to see, sir?" said Edward, in a clear, loud tone of voice, for which the master of the ceremonies gave him a reproving look. As soon as they were all shut into the apartment he made a sign for them to kneel down.

"No," said Mr. Delville, now speaking for the first time; "you are going to show us something for which we have not your reverence; we cannot, therefore, kneel. If, however, you like to exhibit it to us, we will pay you for your trouble, and shall feel ourselves obliged to you."

The bright silver coin was deposited in his extended palm; and having looked round to ascertain there was none present but themselves, he proceeded without further delay to complete the ceremony. He lighted, with much deliberation, the wax tapers on the altar, where the crucifix stood, concealed behind three curtains. They

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