towers, raised upon each other, and regularly diminishing towards the top. This temple, so remarkable for its construction and riches, was consecrated to the memory of Belus, who was supposed to be the same as Nimrod. It is recorded in Scripture under the name of the Tower of Babel, where God, to punish the daring impiety of man, confounded their language, and scattered them abroad on the face of the earth.

THE TEMPLE OF DIANA AT EPHESUS.

This Temple, one of the seven wonders of the world, was the work of several ages. All the nations of the east vied with each other in adorning and enriching it. It was 427 feet long and 200 broad, and the superstructure was supported by 127 columns, each 60 feet high, the presents of as many kings. It was burnt by Erostratus,

who wished to render his name immortal by a

crime that could never be forgotten.

TEMPLE OF JUPITER OLYMPUS.

As this magnificent edifice was intended to convey an idea of the Divine Majesty of Jupiter, the sublimest efforts of human art were employed in its construction. It contained the throne and statue of Jupiter Olympus, composed of gold and ivory, and the work of the immortal Phidias. They reached from the pavement to the vault, which was 68 feet, and were objects of universal wonder and admiration.

TEMPLE OF APOLLO AT DELPHI.

This Temple, though not equal to that of Jupiter in point of beauty or dimension, was much

richer in its possessions. For no answer could be obtained by those who consulted its oracles, till some considerable present had been made to adorn it. It was erected over the cavern which gave birth to its oracles, and though once swallowed up by an earthquake, was replaced by another of equal splendor.

THE PANTHEON OF ROME.

This superb building, which during the reign of Paganism was consecrated to All the Gods, is now known under the name of the Church of All Saints. It is considered as the greatest effort of architecture, and the sublimest monument of human genius. It still remains uninjured amidst 'the war of elements, the wreck of matter, and 'the crush of worlds.'

ORACLES.

Oracles were the invention of Priests to im pose on the credulity and superstition of the people, by pretending by these means to predict future events and resolve important questions. They were very numerous, and the most remarkable were

1. The Oracle of Dodona.
2. The Oracle of Ammon.

3. The Oracle of Delphi.

4. The Oracle of Trophonius.

THE ORACLE OF DODONA.

This Oracle was one of the most ancient in Greece. The chapel of this priestess was situated near an oak, at the foot of which a fountain flowed, whose gentle murmurs were interpreted by the priestess who presided, as predictions of future events.

ORACLE OF AMMON.

This Oracle was situated in the desarts of Lybia. It was consecrated to Jupiter under the name of Jupiter Ammon, who was represented with the head of a ram having horns. Eighty priests carried this statue upon their shoulders in a gilded ship, followed by young girls and matrons singing hymns in honor of the God. The responses of this oracle were announced by the priests from some movement or sign of the statue.

ORACLE OF DELPHI.

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The Oracle of Delphi was of great antiquity, and the most celebrated in Greece. Its priestess was called Pythia, from the serpent Python, slain by Apollo. These priestesses were young virgins, selected with great care: it was supposed