MISCELLANY.

RELIGIOUS PROGRESSION.

Ir the Editor had been told, ten years ago, that he would have lived to wit ness an order and amount of religious reform as great as his own eyes have seet and ears heard, he would not have believed such advance possible. But he now expects to witness far greater progression in the coming ten years. Hear a prominent divine, Charles Beecher, son of Dr. Lyman Beecher, touching a radical point that of requiring their members to believe in and subscribe to a formal creed. All required to perfect religion is to allow their respective members that perfect liberty of belief which he so ably contends in two dedication discourses, delivered by him and published.

"There is nothing imaginary in the statement that the Creed power is now beginning to prohibit the Bible, as really as Rome did, though in a subtler way. During the course of seven years study, the Protestant candidate for the ministry sees before him an unauthorized statement, spiked down and stereotyped, of what he must find in the Bible, or be martyred. And does any one, acquainted with human nature, need be told that he studies under a tremendous pressure of motive? Is that freedom? The liberty wherewith Christ maketh free?' Rome would have given that. Every one of her clergy might have studied the Bible to find there the pontifical creed, on pain of death. Was that liberty?

"Hence I say that the liberty of opinion in our theological seminaries is a mere form. To say nothing of the thumb-screw of criticism, by which every original mind is tortured into negative propriety, the whole boasted liberty of the student consists in a choice of chains-a choice of handcuffs-whether he will wear the Presbyterian handcuff, or the Methodist, Baptist, Episcopal, or other Evangelical handcuff. Hence it has secretly come to pass, that the ministry themselves dare not study their Bibles. Large portions thereof are seldom touched. It lies useless lumber; or if they do study and search, they dare not show their people what they find there. There is something criminal in saying anything new. It is shocking to utter words that have not the mould of age upon them.

Through the ministry, the same spirit has been conducted to the people. The same penalties hang over them. The denominations are so nearly balanced, the strife for power is so keen between them, that every fancied departure from that creed is seized to make political capital, as really as in any political campaign. Houses must be built; salaries must be raised. This requires wealth. Wealth requires numbers and patronage. This creates a servile dread of novelty, for everything that another party can get hold of, strikes at the gold. Therefore the people watch their minister, and the minister is afraid of his people. For if he studies independently-if he goes outside of the book-if he slips the handcuff, the people tremble-it will not please-the opposition will seize it—we shall be unpopular—we shall not succeed.

"Oh, woful day! Oh unhappy Church of Christ! Fast rushing round and round the fatal circle of absorbing ruin! Thou sayest I am rich, and increased in goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art poor, and miserable, and blind, and naked!

"Thus are the ministry of the Evangelical Protestant denominations not only formed all the way up, under a tremendous pressure of merely human fear, but they live, and move, and breathe in a state of things radically corrupt, and

appealing every hour to every baser element of their nature, to hush up the truth and bow the knee to the power of apostasy.

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Dimly does every one now and then see that things are going wrong. With sighs does every true heart confess that rottenness is somewhere, but ah! it is hopeless of reform. We all pass on, and the tide rolls down to-night.

"The time has come when men having itching ears, and forms of godliness without the power, are heaping to themselves teachers, when they will not endure sound doctrine, but are turned aside unto fables. And the whole has come about stealthily, nobody knows how, among good men out of good motives.

"Was not this the way things went with Rome? Are we not living her life over again? And what do we see just ahead? Another General Council! A

World's Convention! Evangelical Alliance and Universal Creed !

"And what then is to be done? I know not what others may say, but if ever I shrink from declaring that the Bible, the whole Bible, and nothing but the Bible, is the perfect and thorough furniture of the Christian minister, and the Christian Church, then may my right hand forget her cunning, and my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth."

LETTER FROM REV. G. W. FINNEY, brother of the president of Oberlin college, to the editor. He is a clear-headed, strong-minded, and uncommonly talented man, and neither believes nor thinks by rule.

"Could I see you, I could give you many facts that are laughable enough of my collisions with opponents. Your writings have done, and are doing, much good. Ministers ought to understand this subject-for, I insist upon it, a man cannot preach the gospel as he ought, without a correct knowledge of mental philosophy. I have recently had an interview with a learned Professor of Intellectual Philosophy in one of our New England colleges He seemed almost totally ignorant of the nature of the subject. I remarked to him that the science, IF TRUE, was everything to him in his department of teaching; THAT IF TRUE, no man could correctly teach mental science without a knowledge of it; and modestly suggested, that the teachers of our colleges ought to investigate it to the bottom, and if false, expose it and explode it-if true, they ought to adopt it, and insisted upon the point, that if true, all other foundations and theories of mental science were mere hay, wood, and stubble; that the science of mind was founded upon organization, was as evident as that the law of gravitatation was founded upon matter. He is truly a great man, and an ornament to society. He treated my remarks with candor, but said but little. There is one insurmountable obstacle" It is not popular”—is at the bottom of all this ignorance. Why, brother Fowler, you are grievously in the wrong and teaching nonsense, or our colleges are greatly in fault in their systems of teaching. Some are aware of this, and very consistently denying the truth of the science. This is the fact at Oberlin. I do wish you would go to Oberlin, and fight the battle through with brother Mahan, and the professors. I should delight to see you measure swords. It strikes me you would do great good by going to colleges, and grappling with the professors in presence of the students. Certainly it ought not to be taught at all, unless it will stand fire. There is hardly a question that can be started of more importance to mankind than a correct and sound system of mental science. On it depend the truth in metaphysics, and of course a correct theology; for the Bible is to be explained in consistency with a true account of man's organization, and mental phenomena.

"In the name of God, then, (I speak it reverentially,) and for the hope of a world that has groped its way in darkness, let us have TRUTH. Let us have the science of MAN AS HE IS, and explain the Bible accordingly. Let us explore the field of human responsibility in the light of his NATURE. My soul is pained when I hear sentiments advanced from the pulpit that cannot stand a

correct application of mental science. But we poor ministers are too conservative to meddle with this unpopular science; it is not taught in our colleges, and of course we must not get wiser than our teachers.

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Truly your Brother,

G. W. FINNEY.

LANE SEMINARY, near Cincinnati, Dec. 12, 1845. DEAR SIR: I am but a comparatively recent convert to the faith as it is in Phrenology, or you would have received an earlier subscription for copies from this quarter. I am confident that Phrenology, and its kindred sciences, must become a part of the system of popular, and even theological instruction, before any reform can be established upon a true and permanent basis. Though a divinity student, I must say that more of demonstration is requisite to make theology divine, and not a slander on the government and character of Deity. I have read your works on Phrenology," "Education and Self-Improvement," "On Religion," "Hereditary Descent," and numerous smaller works, and compared with them, tested by Phrenology, works composed without its aid whether in metaphysics, physiology, or speculative theology, are as dry husks. Applied to much of the so-called religion of the day, Phrenology is sulphuric acid. It leaves scarcely a trace of much now revered as sacred. I remit by this mail Hines' "Quarterly Journal and Review," to be published hereafter as "The Herald of Truth." Notice specially the article "Spiritual Developments." The men who have been conducting experiments are well known to the community here as upright and scientific persons. The prime movers in the work that is going have been active in endeavoring to introduce Phrenology into public notice and respect, and with good success. Those who have been readers of your works become easily initiated. You have long been a pioneer in the very field upon which they enter. No more at present. Very respectfully, yours, etc.

To O. S. FOWLER, Editor.

JOSEPH H. MOORE.

THE BOSTON OLIVE BRANCH, of August 29th, discourses on Phrenology thus:

"The fact is, neither Fowler nor any other man actually knows anything of human character or its tendencies from Phrenology. Fowler is one of the best judges of human character from sight or other cause in the country. He doubtless has acquired it by a careful observation of men in a long experience, not from Phrenology. Certainly Fowler goes much more by Physiognomy than Phrenology in coming to his conclusions, neither of which are to be trusted, though doubtless Lavater's system more nearly approaches a science than Phrenology."

Mr. Olive Branch, if you will select any number of men, of strongly marked and opposite characteristics, you may blindfold me, and in case I do not give both their characters and points of DIFFERENCE, I will give up; if I do, you shall. And to make the test the more complete, you shall wRITE OUT BEFOREHAND their leading talents and traits of mind, and I will write them out phrenologically, and we will each give the results to our readers. This will tell for certain whether I predicate character from Physiognomy or Phrenology. No treating this fair proposal-any fair one from you I will accept-with silence, but back your assertions by this or a kindred TEST.

The acknowledgment that "Fowler is one of the best judges of human character from sight or other cause in the country," either admits the truth of Phrenology or else accuses me of being a most successful hypocrite.

PHRENOLOGY.

The course of lectures on this interesting subject having closed, and the exhibitions of skill in it ceased by the departure of the lecturers, the public may reasonably expect to be presented with some of the most prominent circumstances, connected with the subject, that they may have data on which to base conclusions, in their endeavors to settle the question, whether it is to be regarded as a science or supposition. By its novelty in this place, it attracted more than ordinary attention and curiosity, and curiosity and inquiry afforded the lecturers crowded audiences. The course commenced with a brief definition of the science, a history of its rise and progress, and a particular statement of its susceptibility of proof, and proposed to test both the theory and their skill, by an immediate experiment on any person present. After some hesitation and delay, an instructor presented one of his well-known pupils, with the consent of his father; and his capacity and character were as well portrayed as could have been by either, and was so immediately admitted by both. Seven others were then examined, "several of whom were prominent citizens," with a similar result. It was thought at the moment by some, that the lecturer had erred in stating that one individual examined was inclined to be somewhat visionary or unsteady in his schemes. The reader, however, will be able to decide the point, when informed that the same person had performed almost the whole routine of the studies of a profession of law, physic, and divinity, and is in a fair way of making his way through life without practising either. On the day previous to the second lecture, the heads of a large number of the pupils of one of the schools of the city were examined publicly, in the presence of their parents and friends, who had been invited on this occasion, and the capacity and character of each accurately described. Of the effect produced on the minds of those present the following anecdote is illustrative. A lad who was said to be extremely light-fingered, and had been detected in some daring acts of the kind, was instructed to be present, and submit his head for examination. He promised to do so, and was present for the purpose. But after he had seen ten or fifteen examined, and heard their characters so truly described, a hint being given him that it was the proper time to present himself, he absolutely refused. And when one of the gentlemen was examining the heads of the boys, as they sat at their desks, for the purpose of selecting the most remarkable for a more particular examination, he changed his place, moving first to the right and then to the left, taking care to keep at a sufficient distance, to avoid the lecturer's hand coming in contact with his head. Thereby evidently showing that he believed his head would at once disclose his true character.

The second, and several subsequent lectures, (two of which were for the benefit of the Orphan Asylum,) were confined to the description of the brain, divided into different parts, each having and performing its particular functions, protruding or depressing the skull, in those parts where they were immediately located, accordingly as they were called into action, or driven by superior power into inactivity; and to the evidences of Phrenology, as developed by the examination of the skulls of the inhabitants of the different parts of the world, showing how they were affected by their formation. Each lecture was closed by testing the theory and skill of the lecturers in delineating the characters of the different individuals who voluntarily presented themselves to the no ordinary amusement and astonishment of many who confessed their skepticism, until a demonstration was had on themselves individually. The last lecture was more interesting than any of the former, and was confined to a description of the principal location of each organ, and the rules that govern them, in all their delineations of characters and capacities. In the exhibition that followed, the theory and skill of the lecturers were put to the closest test; several persons were first examined, the phrenologist blindfolded, others examined, and several re-examined, and on the whole, it may be truly said, that the lecturers have fully sustained their theory and character both for skill and generosity.-St. Louis Argus.

THE JEWS COMING.-Considerable interest is beginning to be taken by this down-trodden race in phrenological science; applicants for professional examination are quite numerous, and works on the science are circulating somewhat freely among them. Nor will anything else whatever contribute more to knock off the shackles of Judaism and annul that conservatism for which this nation is so remarkable, and which has thus far intercepted their progression. MR. FOWLER

Dear Sir: I should take your Journal now, but I am preparing to emigrate to the new colony in Texas, and as soon as I locate I shall become a subscriber as long probably as you publish, for the sake of my children. I consider the science of Phrenology as one of the most mighty engines of reformation, saying to man, "know thyself;" for this knowledge is calculated to shake to its foundation every error in religious and civil society. So I give you my righthand of fellowship. Press on, friend Fowler. I shall myself shortly be in the field to reform our fellow-man; for God hath shown me my work, to open "the books, chain the dragon, and undeceive the nations."

I cannot doubt your intelligence and liberality of mind, so I will disclose to you the important fact, that although my genealogy is taken from the earth, yet I am a descendant of Abraham, of the family of Judah; for God, according to his purpose, has preserved the "lion." My ancestors, for many ages-even from the days of Judah, the son of Jacob-have, one of each succeeding generation, been born with the mark of a LION on the body. This mark was manifest on my father's person, and is also on mine. And as I said, God hath shown me my work (Rev. v.) Also, to open the book, and loose the seven seals thereof. But I shall hold forth mostly at first the "Great Chain" of the truths of God, so different from the doctrines taught in our day, that the most intelligent are taken by surprise. Yours, sincerely,

SOLOMON J. SCOTT, M. D.

NEW PLAN OF TEACHING THE LOCATION OF THE ORGANS.

We not only lay this plan before our readers, but give it our unqualified recommendation.

O. S. FOWLER, Esq.

RIDGE FARM, ILL., Nov. 18, 1846.

Dear Sir: With this I take the liberty of sending you a sketch of a plan for teaching a class the locality of the phrenological organs-in a manner similar to that in which geography has of late been taught in this country. You will remember that about a year ago I suggested to you that Phrenology should be taught in common schools and colleges; and I have commenced the experiment of teaching a class to locate the organs. We have used the busts on the cover of the Journal, for want of a better, as a geography student uses a map-verbally describing the locality of each organ, as exhibited by the table inclosed. If we could have a bust of the head about the natural size of a man's head,* there could be but little difficulty in learning even small children to locate all the organs at the same time he would be assisted by memorizing the boundaries noted in the table. By a few hours practice on the map, small boys of our class have been able to find most of the prominent organs of the head, and could I have larger maps the progress would be increased. This, effectually accomplished-and books, lectures, practice, and observation, will enable a person of ordinary intellect to be a practical phrenologist-this plan of teaching, I flatter myself, will afford a field for enterprising young men to render them

* Such a bust has just been published by our firm.-Ed.