presented with torn garments, and a dagger concealed in her bosom: her head is twisted round

with serpents.

FEAR.

The Lacedemonians placed the temple of Fear near the Ephori, in order to inspire crimi

nals with the dread of punishment. When an oath was taken Fear was always named with the other Gods: she was represented with hair erect, in the attitude of looking upwards, with her mouth extended and a troubled aspect.

REFLECTIONS.

The loveliness of virtue and the deformity of vice naturally excited appropriate sensations of

Myth.

I

veneration and abhorrence. The powerful influence of good and evil actions were felt and acknowledged, and the sources, from whence they proceeded, being considered as distinct principles, they were personified as different Deities. To invoke the divine influence of virtue under every form, was a less painful effort than to train the mind to the exercise of piety and mercy, or the observance of truth and fidelity. Vanity might erect an altar to these severe and self-denying principles, which the votary had neither courage to emulate, nor virtue to aspire to. But the pure and perfect spirit, that has drawn its doctrine from the sources of revelation, and who has in view the treasures of a better and the glories of a brighter world, "where mercy and truth are met together, and righteousness and peace have kissed each other," will testify his veneration for those virtues, which are the harbingers of future bliss, and the symbol of happy angels, not by altars

1 Psal. LXXxv. 10.

raised and sacrifices offered, but by modelling his heart to become their sanctuary. Then we shall see, not the molten image, nor the sculptured statue, but the sanctified soul, and the subdued spirit; not striking the astonished sense, nor arresting the delighted eye, but winning by the gentle voice of persuasion, and the power of example, to a life of holiness on earth, and securing the promises of eternal life in Heaven. Then we shall behold compassion pouring in the balm of pity, and binding up the wounds of the broken spirit; Faith trusting in Jesus and taking the Gospel for her guide; Hope, whose anchor is the cross, whose haven is above; Charity embracing all mankind with a sister's love; Humility walking in lowliness of mind, esteeming others better than itself; Fortitude leaning on the rock of ages as its salvation; and that peace, which Jesus gives to him who loveth him and keepeth his commandments,' 66 the peace of a pure heart and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned."

Pagan worshippers offered sacrifices and supplications to those evil propensities, which from the corruption of our nature mingle with our best intentions, and against which we are charged, in the spirit of Christian watchfulness, to keep the heart with all diligence, since out of it are the issues of life. They beheld with dismay the fatal influence of those vices, which we are taught, not so much to dread as to subdue, not to sink under but to conquer; and we are expressly enjoined by St. Paul, "not to be overcome with evil but to overcome evil with good." Inspired with terror at the appearance of misfortunes, the cause of which they were ignorant of, they addressed even their apprehensions as a Deity. Fear had temples and altars raised to her, and with the spirit of prophetic dread, they named her with the sacred Divinities by whom they swore, lest mingling her influence with their best wishes, and their purest motives, she might appal the most courageous. Support, encouragement, and consolation, were not

Rom. XII. 21.

the attributes of Pagan philosophy, to revive the sinking, to cheer the drooping, and banish terror from the troubled mind, is the gentle spirit of the Gospel of Jesus. "Fear not, Mary, for thou hast found favor with God," was the cheering apostrophe of the Holy Angel, when she was troubled in mind at the glorious salutation which hailed her the future mother of our Lord. "Fear not, for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy;" were the grateful sounds which struck the ear of the astonished shepherds, to whom this Saviour was announced. "Be not

affrighted," was the encouraging voice of that Saviour to the pious women, who came with devoted affection to visit the sepulchre of their crucified Lord, who having overcome the power of death and hell, and burst the confines of the tomb, confirmed by his own resurrection the promise of that immortality he died to establish. "For as in Adam all die, so in Christ shall all be made alive." 4

Luke 1. 30.

3 Mark xvI. 6.

2 Luke 11. 10.

4 1 Cor. XVI. 22.