ϖαραβολή, formed from ϖαραβάλλειν, _to oppose_ or _compare_, an allegorical instruction, founded on something real or apparent in nature or history, from which a moral is drawn, by comparing it with some other thing in which the people are more immediately concerned. (See _Allegory_.) Aristotle defines parable, a similitude drawn from form to form. Cicero calls it a collation; others, a simile. F. de Colonia calls it a rational fable; but it may be founded on real occurrences, as many parables of our Saviour were. The Hebrews call it משל, from a word which signifies either _to predominate_ or _to assimilate_; the Proverbs of Solomon are by them also called >משלים, _parables_, or _proverbs_. Parable, according to the eminently learned Bishop Lowth, is that kind of allegory which consists of a continued narration of a fictitious or accommodated event, applied to the illustration of some important truth. The Greeks call these αἶνοι, _allegories_, or _apologues_; the Latins, _fabulæ_, or fables;” and the writings of the Phrygian sage, or those composed in imitation of him, have acquired the greatest celebrity. Nor has our Saviour himself disdained to adopt the same method of instruction; of whose parables it is doubtful whether they excel most in wisdom and utility, or in sweetness, elegance, and perspicuity. As the appellation of parable has been applied to his discourses of this kind, the term is now restricted from its former extensive signification to a more confined sense. But this species of composition occurs very frequently in the prophetic poetry, and particularly in that of Ezekiel. If to us they should sometimes appear obscure, we must remember, that, in those early times when the prophetical writings were indited, it was ...

PARÁ, or Santa Mariade Belem do Grao Para, one of the most flourishing cities of Brazil, capital of the province of Pará or Gräo Pará, lies on a point of land with sandy porous soil at the junction of the Guamâ with the Rio Pará or eastern arm of the Amazons, about 75 miles from the sea. The main river is about 20 miles wide opposite the town, but is broken by numerous islands. Pará is regularly built, well-paved, and well-lighted. The houses, which seldom exceed two or three stories in height, are usually substantial structures of stone; and a general brightness of aspect is produced by red-tiled roofs and white, yellow, or even pink and blue coloured walls relieved by dense tropical foliage. The Estrada das Mon-gubeiras, running about a mile from the river to Largo da Polvora in the east end of the city, has long been famous for its magnificent cotton trees (Bombax Monguba, B. Ceiba'); but the grand old trees are dying out, and the finest avenue in Pará is now the Estrada de Sâo José, with its colonnade of tall “royal palms ” (Oreodoxa regia). In the outskirts of the city the wealthy merchants have villas with very extensive grounds, and a little way beyond these begins the dense swamp-forest. Pará has a wonderfully pleasant and healthy climate, with a temperature extremely equable throughout the year. “The mornings are cool. From 10 till 2 the heat increases rapidly, commonly reaching 90° or 91°. A little later great black clouds appear in the east and spread quickly over the sky; the temperature falls suddenly, the wind blows in varying gusts, the rain pours down, and ere one is aware the sun leaps out. Sometimes the first shower is followed by a second or even a third. By sunset the ground is dry.” This is the rule all the year round; only in ...