Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-12-27
From the New England Galaxy.

MAYNARD Misty Ii. T.. KNIGHT.
Oughl one TO approve OF historical novels,
which blend fact and fiction so as TO coniound
history? prefer either pure history, or pure
imagination.
How happens it that the name Jonathan is
with many simile? and country Doors called
brother Jonathans? as also our country? Sure
ly, the name itself is every way respectable
in Hebrew, sThe Lord hath given" And, if
we dissect it into two syabes Jonathan, we
find delightful and dignifed assoeiations--it re-
minding us of Joseph the ohasle, and of Ma
than, who said unto David "Thou art the man.
and, altogether, of Jonathan, the friend, whose
love was passing the love OF women
Sterne's idea of the "recording ANGEL and
the "blotting tear is thought to be one Of the
finest in the language, as containing sublime
sentiment beautifully expressed; and know
not whether the thought OF the STAR dImly
cleaning through the unsubstantial form of
one of Ossian' s"ghosts," as il glided along the
mist, be not the next in imagery, though thin
Of sentiment
The property Of intellect is not always here
ditary; as witness two modern instances: Sir l.
saac Newton had weak-he AIDED father, and
Lord Chesterfield weak headed sol. Persons
of small intellect snould never try TO shine in
conversation, but rather, not to say any thing
very exceptionable Boats that have not much
bottom had oest to carry but little sail, and had
better be becaln,ed than overset.
In the inimtably beautiful and pathetic story
Of Joseph and his Brethren, there is one shade
upon the life of Joseph which have never seen
illumined, but which was doubtless wisely iii
rected in Providence, 10 bring about the Won
derful consummaton; that is, that Joseph new
er once went up from Egypt 10 the vale OF He
bron for above twenty years, leaving his aged ia
Their in state of bereavement during that long
time!
Man Judges Of the inward disposition by the
outw ard acts; God Judges of the outward acts
by the inward disposition.
1t seems paradox that, by the skill of man,
the sofest element is made 10 bear he heaviest
burthens
There is no instance of complex simplicity
more amazing than the infnitude of varied ex-
pressions upon that little surface of a few inches
souare-the human couptenance.
Is it not very stupid to continue the mongrel
French Oyes al The opening of court? And
the antioualed "Know all men by these Pres
enis,'' at the opening of an instrument?
The Oriental STYLE aboun1s in hyperbole,
some instances of which, besides the beautiful
Scriptures. Instance, where Hushal threatens
to drag whole city intothe river with ropes
Also, where ST John supposes if the deeds Of
Jesus were all written, the world itself would
not contain all the books. This Orienlalism Of
manner viii account for many peculiarities Of
speech, which might otherwise appear extra
VACANT
1t is we'll for a stranger, who would please
the mother, To take notice Of her babes. | should
like TO know what an infant smiles at when a.
sleep: into what world, and among what tiny
scenes, its dreams have their range?
Whether words, originally Italian, German,
or French, when adopted into the American
vocabulary, should retain their foreign pronun-
citation, or be read according to the key of our
syllable sounds? foreigner, when he becomes
naturalized in this country, is expected to &C
commodata himself to our manners, and not
we 10 his. And wherefore do authors use for
eign words in their books, where there are sy-
noymous words in our own language, as if they
were ashamed Of home?
II you wish to encourage sectary, oppose
him. The first thing that is born, and the last
thing that dies-iS toW.
Some good people, claiming too much from
human nature, would marvel to be told that