In the Hebrew Scriptures, the Divine Powers, which bring finite existences into relations with each other, thus causing them to emerge from the _thehom_, or “deep,” are called—_the Spirit of God_. “Darkness was on the face of the deep, and the Spirit of God moved on the face of the waters.” This Divine Spirit, operating upon man in its ordinary measure, makes man to be what he is; operating beyond its ordinary measure, it becomes especial _inspiration_. The Hebrews supposed this universe would continue in visible existence so long as the Spirit of God should breath upon it, but that it would fall back into the _the-hom_ the moment that spirit should withdraw its vivifying power. We read in the speech of Elihu, reported in the book of Job:— “There is a spirit in man: And the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding. . . . The Spirit of God hath made me, And the breath of the Almighty hath given me life. . . . Who hath given unto God a charge over the earth? Or who hath disposed the whole world? If He set his heart upon man— _If He gather unto Himself his Spirit and his breath;_ _All flesh shall perish together._ _And man shall turn again unto dust._” Also in the 104th Psalm: “Thy creatures wait all upon thee; That thou mayest give them their meat in due season. That thou givest them, they gather: Thou openest thine hand—they are filled with good. _Thou hidest thy face—they are troubled:_ _Thou takest away their breath—they die and return to their dust._ _Thou sendest forth thy Spirit—they are (re-) created:_ _And thou renewest the face of the earth._” Inspiration, therefore, does not consist in an intensification of the soul’s being, in the implanting of a new principle, or springing source in the centre of its substance, but it consists in a leading forth of the soul to a greater intensity of _manifestation_—to a greater distance from the original chaos, _the-hom_, or “deep.” BETH. * * * * * A LITERARY GOSSIP WITH MISS MITFORD.[12] Draw the curtains, stir the fire, make a semicircle round the rug, and now for a _causerie_. Mary Russell Mitford shall talk to us out of the three volumes of reminiscences she has just given to the world; and whatever we have to say about the sundry things she discourseth upon therein shall be said in a cordial, and, at the same time, perfectly frank spirit, as becometh an honest fireside.