Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1826-12-15
Communicated for the Democratic Press.

communicated
Mr.. BINNs-The press could not confer no.
bier donation in these approaching Christmas
times, than that which it has Just presented to
the world. / allude to the ilustrious relic Of
the inimitabe poet and statesman, Mr.. PAINE,
whose claim to the title Of the former, based up
on the Religion ofMe Sun, will transmit his name
bending beneath the Iaures of splendid i'm
mortality, "to the last syllable of recorded
time"
| have Just finished perusing this mastery
production; and although my expectations had
been elevated in an uncommon degree, candor
compels me to acquiesce in the decision of the
Editor of the Baltimore Patriot, who observes,
=" that Notwithstanding the ill will that has
been manifested generally, toward the produc-
tons of MIR. Paine, this posthumous poem will
assuredly place him at the summit of Ameri
can bards, and dispel all the envious and bgot-
ed clouds that have hitherto enveloped his name.
Among an hundred other beautiful descrip-
tion S, my attention was peculiarly fascinated
by the splendid and powerful delineations Of
the Creation, the Priestess and the imposter
Keraph. The language throughout is rich and
vigorous, and the style perfectly original; and
ifthere are any imperfections in it, they may
be discovered when the phraseology occasional
ly approaches what is termed the beauties of
Mr.. Walsh, jr., TO whom on that account, and
for his kindly recollections Of the poet we think
the proprietor should have dedicated the work
The following brief and appropriate notice
of the recurrence of what is Justly denominat-
ed Il Yankee Festival, is from the Salem Gazette
Thanksgiving This great Yankee Festival
institated by our foretathers, in gratitude for
dangers escaped for mercies received, and Tor
comforts enjoyed, will be observed to-day
throughout our Commonwealth. While the
rich, the prosperous, and the happy, are return
ing thanks for the bounties which have been
bestowed on them with no niggardly hand, let
them not overlook the claims Of those who
have no participation in these blessings. In
the words Of another, "et thanksgiving come
10 all--et the poor, who are unable to provide,
be provided for out Of the abundance of the
rich; and the houses Of the sick, the lonely,
and poor in spirit, be visited by the godke
spirit of charity; and we shall have thanks
giving in deed and in truth worthy of the name ;"
The DeUH.-In all ages the Devil has rendered
great service TO the learned, for whom he has
always evinced particular regard. Scaiger
was said 20 have entered into a compact with
him. Socrates, Apuleus, Agrppa, Cardan,
Cagllstro, are reported to have had famiiarS
who inspsed them with knowledge. Roger
Bacon was imprisoned because the Devil tau ht
him mathematics The Knights rempIars, &
Joan of Arc were accused of holding commune
Cation with demons. Our Ancestors, had so
mean an opinion Of the human mind, that they
deemed it incapable of producing any thing
without the aid Of the Devil. John Faust, one
of the inventors Of printing, was suspected Of
holding open communication with the prince
OF darkness. In Switzerland the common peo-
pie entertain so high notion Of his talents, that
they attribute TO him The construction of sever
al masterpieces of architecture. Denis lie Char
treux says that the devil is a great geometri
can; Milton asserts that he excels in the build
ing Of bridges; and Iertullan informs US that
the devil is so good natural philosopher, that
he Can carry sieve full Of water without spill
ing drop.