At periods of general ignorance and superstition, the announcement of a great scientific or philosophic truth may produce commotion, persecution, and discord. But it is evident that these are the results of ignorance and not of knowledge--of unenlightened passion, and not of the awakened intellect. Truth is attractive to all minds, and its tendency is to invite universal assent. In so far, therefore, as the intellect is capable of discovering truth, its tendency is to unify and harmonize, and by no means to separate into disorder. In an age of inquiry, the emancipation of thought may be attended with much disturbance. The right of individual judgment will necessarily produce conflict in the very act of emerging from the preceding state of ignorance and restraint. The state of transition cannot be one of tranquillity, although it is the inevitable path to a higher and more complete harmony. But it is inaccurate and philosophically untrue, as we think, to characterize the intellect as 'disturbing,' or 'disrupting.' It is disturbing only to ignorance, and disrupting only to the systems and organizations based upon falsehood. We think these positions and brief discriminations are accurate, and not to be overthrown by argument; and as they are fundamental, we have thought it not improper to state them here, as the basis upon which we accept the general reasoning of Mr. Freeland as to the law of human development. Buckle and Draper are right as to the fixed character of moral standards; but the progressive development of knowledge gives new applications to moral principles, and requires their perpetual operation and control. In this sense, morality keeps pace with knowledge, and though dependent upon new truths for its own advancement, is indispensable to the progress of mankind in the social benefits to be derived from every intellectual acquisition. * * * * * A musical example of a rhythm rare and difficult of treatment in English--the dactylic.--ED. GONE! BY EARL MARBLE. Gone from the earth, in her innocence, purity, Gone, 'mong her bright sister angels to dwell; Gone, to explore the dark shades of Futurity, Gone to her final home! Sweet one, farewell! On this cold, freezing earth, sensitive, shivering, Standing but feebly before its chill blast;-- Into the Future, her face with joy quivering, Into its warmth, its morn genial, at last! Gone from her earth-home, where all were but blessing her In the cold, heart-chilling language of earth; Now, in her heaven-home, all are caressing her, Not as the Clay, but the soul of New Birth! Slowly, the days which once fleeted so cheerily, Floated as though we could never know pain, Drag their dull length along, sadly and drearily, Wearily praying for Lethe in vain!