I believe, deserves well of men of all creeds for his liberal conduct. Let your correspondent curse the money-lending friends of despotism, if he will; and I, heartily echoing him, will back the Christians for their full share of the anathema.

[Our correspondent, R. K. D., who seemed to regard the influence of the Jews on despotic wars as an avenging influence, did not appear to me to assert it as being a designed act, but as a result of their money transactions, which indeed appears to me to be a just inference. Persons acquainted with Parisian financiers have lately asserted that the fall of Rome and Hungary could be more easily explained by certain Jewish millionaires than by our political theorists. Doubtless Christians would do the same; but a few principal Jews, having more money, have more power and exert more influence.-ED.]

THE

CROMWELL FAITH.

DEAR SIR,-In the exercise of your editorial prerogative (and I by no means complain of it as an undue exercise) you append the following note to the song of 'Let England Remember':

'We suppose the poet means Truth, as a definite idea is required by the purport of the song.'

Will you allow me to remark that whatever indefiniteness might be charged to the word 'God,' 'Truth' certainly cannot be called 'a definite idea?' Indeed, I am quite sure, to go no further, that not even you and myself will agree upon any definition of it. But I contend that the word 'God' in the present instance does represent a definite idea.' The distinguishing characteristic of the Cromwell men was their faith in God, and in human freedom as the will of God. They did not base human freedom on any 'greatest happiness' principle, but deduced it directly from God, making their political faith a consequence of their religious faith. It is not necessary here to argue for the correctness of the deduction. Enough that this faith, not merely in human freedom, but in God AND in human freedom,' was theirs; and I would call such a faith sublime' were it only for its fervour. One would be glad to see such a faith in anything, now-a-days. Nine readers out of ten will understand what is meant by the word God,- -a sufficient reason for using it here; and the tenth, though he may disbelieve in God, will yet understand what is meant, however he may object to the use of the word. The man who asserts that there is no God,' ought, at least, to attach a definite idea to the word. I am, dear sir, yours definitely,

SPARTACUS.

NOVEL PERFORMANCE IN A RELIGIOUS THEATRE.

WHEN a new Catholic edifice was recently opened in Burnley, Dr. Wiseman officiated. The Church Shepherds, especially, were scandalised, and issued a rather weak warning to their flocks. Afterwards, the following parody on a play bill appeared. We leave our readers to judge of the decorous taste in which Protestant can oppose Catholic.

Turf More Theatre.-Under the distinguished patronage of his serene

highness the Prince Beelsebub.-The inhabitants of Burnley and its vicinity are most respectfully informed that a grand performance will take place at the above place of public amusement on Sunday, the 5th inst., when that much-admired and talented artiste Mr. Wiserman (the rival of Herr Rosenfeld, the great Polish magician), from London, will make his first appearance in this town, for one day only, accompanied by one of the most talented bands of artistes that has ever had the honour of appearing before a Burnley audience. The first part of the performance will commence with that grand and imposing spectacle, the Latin Tragic Opera of the Sacrifice! High Priest, Mr. Wiserman; Inferior Priest. Mr. Twaddle; Attendants, &c., &c., by the Company. The first scene will open with a magnificent representation of the interior of a Pagan Temple, with all it gorgeous apparatus, &c. Amid clouds of incense, Mr. Wiserman will make his appearance on the stage, and display his wonderful feat of necromancy, by transinuting, by a magical incantation, a piece of common bread into a Living God!-a feat unrivalled in the annals of the black art. After an interval of ten minutes, Mr. Wiserman will pronounce an Epilogue: his eloquence must be heard to be appreciated. The Orchestre will consist of the following talented artistes, who will amuse the audience with playing some of the most favourite Quadrilles, Waltzes, &c. Leader, Mr. Jockson. Principal Vocalists: Miss Moreish, and Messrs. Par, Sites, and March. Mr. Morerain will preside at the Organ.

T

'N.B.-Owing to the pecuniary embarrassments of the patron's dearly beloved son, Pius IX. (who wants all his Peter pennies to sharpen French bayonets with, and to pay for a penny Cane to chastise his rebellious flock), the proprietors have resolved to reduce the tickets since Thursday to the following prices-Boxes 5s., Gallery 2s. 6d., Pit 1s., (to be had at the door of the theatre).-Mr. Wiserman will be happy to prove the reality of his Transmutation, by allowing any person, who is desirous, to taste of the flesh of God (raw.) After the close of the performance, Indulgences may be had at the theatre, at the following prices, viz.-Absolution for murdering a Layman 7s. 6d., for striking a Priest 10s. 6d., for a Priest or Clergyman keeping a concubine 10s. 6d. Absolutions for future as well as past transgressions at reduced prices. Doors open at 103, performance to commence at 11. Stage Manager, Mr. Border.'

AURORA VILLA.

EVERY week, if we are rightly informed, pleasant assemblies of Vegetarian friends meet at Messrs. Turley and Harrison's, Aurora Villa, (named after George Sand) at North End, Hampstead, where the beauties of natural scenery-such as no other suburb of London presents— illustrate the amenities of improved social life. Last Tuesday Count Viettinghoff presided. Mr. Holyoake took part in the discussions maintained by Mr. and Mrs. Horsell, Mr. P. Edwards, and various friends present. Mr. H. L. Harrison contemplates connecting a College with. the establishment to which we shall, as a matter of public duty, draw further attention.

Illustrative Notices.

On the occasion of the Queen's visit to Belfast, the Rev. W. Mcllwaine-a species of Belfast Hugh McNeil-delivered a servile sermon on the too-well known text, 'Fear God, Honour the King. An opportunity did not occur of handing it over to our contributor to whom this department is assigned, or we should have given an analysis of Religion made Loyal,' as set forth in this production. But perhaps we give a sufficient sample when we notice that the reverend preacher affirms that 'the law of primogeniture' (the source of so much family injustice) ́ is sanctioned by God.' We have to acknowledge the attentions of a valued correspondent of former days in the transmission of this pamphlet on the day of its issue.

Several friends of education, encouraged by the great success of the Birkbeck School, London Mechanics' Institution, Southampton Buildings, Holborn, have opened the late Bethel Chapel, Bell Yard, Commercial Place, City Road, next door to the Hall of Science (first gateway south of Featherstone Street), as a School, where the sons of artisans and others may obtain a sound English education of the highest character at an expense within their means. The school, under the title of the Finsbury Birkbeck School, was opened on Monday, July the 16th, 1849, under the superintendence of Mr. John Rüntz, Master of the Birkbeck School-Teacher, Mr. Cave. The course of instruction includes reading, writing, arithmetic, English grammar, composition, history, geography, drawing, and vocal music; also, the elements of algebra, geometry, mensuration, mechanics, and of the natural sciences. The children are likewise instructed in the laws of health, and in the principles of social economy, in order that they may understand how much their health, longevity, and general happiness are dependent on themselves, and that they may also the more fully comprehend their position in society, and their duties towards it. Particular attention is paid to moral training.

The second number of Louis Blanc's Magazine has the same powerful characteristics which distinguished the first. His Letter to Louis Napoleon has great historical interest. Of the first number 50,000 copies were printed, and the demand in Paris compelled a further issue of 50,000 more.

The Operatives'. Free Press,' a new monthly penny journal of labour, politics, and education, has a completeness of execution about it which will gratify its purchasers.

The Spectator, No. 1105, contains a letter from one whose name is well known to our readers, Henry Jeffery, on Political Economy and Communism.' The letter is corrective of the popular vagueness in the use of those terms.

A gentleman has shown us a letter received from a Manchester correspondent, saying In the Supplement to the Manchester Courier, of September 1st, there is a paragraph taken from Mr. Holyoake's article "Method," in his "Rudiments of Public Speaking and Debate ;" but the source whence the editor, or whoever sent it, took it, is not mentioned. Now this is not fair play to Mr. Holyoake, who is so scrupulously exact in acknowledging the source from whence he quotes. The paragraph commences, "Method is often of moment in trivial things," and so on. Again, look to the second page of the Courier which I send you there are two raore of Mr. Holyoake's passages not acknowledged. One paragraph of these is headed "Metaphors," the other "Law." If Mr. Holyoake had been a man who favoured church doctrines, the Courier would have (I doubt not) added his name to his very excellent remarks.'

We received several letters relating to Mr. Linton's recent article on 'Physical Force;' some applauding it as very successful and useful, others regretting that the writer's talents should have taken such a pernicious direction. Had not the sudden occupation of our paper with the death of our coadjutor in the field of reform, Mr. Hetherington, rendered it impossible, we should have inserted a paper by 'One of the People,' combatting Mr. Linton's views, as we know the writer to have the courage and generosity to carry out his own passive views. G. J. H.

THE REASONER

No. 13.-NEW SERIES.] EDITED BY G. J. HOLYOAKE.

[PRICE 2d.

THE DYING TESTAMENT OF THE LATE HENRY
HETHERINGTON DEFENDED

AGAINST THE IMPUTATIONS OF CAUSTIC' OF THE

'WEEKLY DISPATCH,' AND MR. O'BRIEN OF THE 'SOCIAL REFORMER.'

Ir is gratifying that the Weekly Dispatch has in some way connected one of its letters with the name of Henry Hetherington. He deserved this tribute, and indeed one much more ample, for he took pride in the Dispatch, and did as much for it, and promoted its popularity as much, and probably more, than any vendor in London. 'Caustic' has therefore done an act of justice, so far as he has made honourable mention of Hetherington's name.

'Caustic's' article contains some sentences of unlooked-for excellence. He says 'real, earnest thinkers, especially on religious matters, cannot think silently. They do not desire merely to talk or to write, they wish to provoke a settlement of the question. Those who from mere laziness, as most do, taking their creed from their teachers, from their nurses upwards, put themselves upon a railroad and expect to be carried to heaven-have an easy journey of it. To shut up a man by himself in a dark dungeon for life, is hardly a more unnatural cruelty than to say to inquirers that they shall not fight out the contest that begins in their deep anxiety to be right. They can get nothing by opposing the so called respectable part of the world-the railroad passengers on all the various lines: they are sure to be scorned, jeered, and ignominiously distanced, if the train does not actually go over them. All they can look for is a satisfaction of conscience, which is often the satisfaction of the martyr at the stake.'

Thanking 'Caustic' for this able vindication of the thinker, we are sorry to have to say that he proceeds to write about atheism after the manner of all newspaper writers-that is, after the manner of one who does not understand it. 'Caustic's' knowledge, too, of the history of religious persecutions is very limited. It comes down no lower than 1840. He writes in defiance of all that has happened since. Indeed, he knows nothing of it. He says that since Hetherington was convicted no one has been legally molested for religion.' The writer of this article suffered six months' imprisonment two years after Hetherington's conviction. And subsequently, three cases in England and three in Scotland have occurred, far more disreputable to Christianity than the instance of Hetherington.

[No. 174, Vol. VII.]