'the liquefaction of the blood of St. 'Januarius at Naples, or for the mo

tion of the eyes of the pictures of 'the Madonna in the Roman States.

I see no reason to doubt the ma'terial of the Lombard Cross at 'Monza, and I do not see why the 'Holy Coat at Trèves may not have 'been what it professes to be. I 'firmly believe that portions of the 'True Cross are at Rome and else'where, that the Crib of Bethlehem 'is at Rome, and the bodies of St. 'Peter and St. Paul; also I firmly 'believe that the relics of the Saints are doing innumerable miracles and

graces daily. I firmly believe that " before now Saints have raised the 'dead to life, crossed the seas with'out vessels, multiplied grain and 'bread, cured incurable diseases, and 'stopped the operations of the laws ' of the universe in a multitude of

'ways.'

So writes Dr. Newman, with that candour, that love of putting the case most strongly against himself, which is only one of the lovely characteristics of the man whose long life has been a miracle of beauty and grace, and who has contrived to instil into his very controversies more of the spirit of Christ than most men can find room for in their prayers. But the dilemma is an awkward one. Does the Madonna

wink, or is Heaven deaf?

Oh, Spirit of Truth, where wert thou, when the remorseless deep of superstition closed over the head of John Henry Newman, who surely deserved to be thy best-loved son?

But this is a digression. With the nympholepts of Truth we have nought to do. They must be allowed to pursue their lonely and devious paths, and though the records of their wanderings, their conflicting

conclusions, and their widely-parted resting-places may fill us with despair, still they are witnesses whose testimony we could ill afford to lose.

But there are not many nympholepts. The symptoms of the great majority of our modern Truthhunters are very different, as they will, with their frank candour, be the first to admit. They are free 'to drop their swords and daggers whenever so commanded, and it is high time they did.

With these two exceptions I think my prescription will be found of general utility, and likely to promote a healthy flow of good works.

I had intended to say something as to the effect of speculative habits upon the intellect, but cannot now do so. The following shrewd remark of Mr. Latham's in his interesting book on the Action of Examinations' may, however, be quoted;

its bearing will be at once seen, and its truth recognised by many:

'A man who has been thus provided with views and acute obser'vations may have destroyed in him'self the germs of that power which 'he simulates. He might have had a thought or two now and then if 'he had been let alone, but if he is 'made first to aim at a standard of 'thought above his years, and then 'finds he can get the sort of thoughts 'he wants without thinking, he is in 'a fair way to be spoiled.

ACTORS.

Most people, I suppose, at one time or another in their lives, have felt the charm of an actor's life, as they were free to fancy it, well-nigh irresistible.

What is it to be a great actor? I say a great actor, because (I am sure) no amateur ever fancied himself a small one. Is it not always to have the best parts in the best plays; to be the central figure of every group; to feel that attention is arrested the moment you come on the stage; and (more exquisite satisfaction still) to be aware that it is relaxed when you go off; to have silence secured for your smallest utterances; to know that the highest dramatic talent has