Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-06-04

lumbus concerning his first voyage, one to Luz
is de Santangel, and the other to Rafael Nam
chez: after which come an unpublished nara
tive Of the second voyage, by certain DIR.
Chanca who accompanied Columbus, therein
and memorial by the Admiral on the same
subject. The account Of the third voyage, is
an original written by Columbus, discovered a.
mong the archieves of Infantado, in company
with hi. journal Of the first, and like sat in the
handwriting of Las Casas. Beside relating
his discoveries on that EXPEDITION, it contains
a variety of geographical speculations, and
some exhibition of scholarship, probaly design.
ed to make an impression upon the King and
Queen to whom the narrative is addressed.
These speculations display great practical
acuteness, an d much ingenuity in the applica-
ton of all that books or experience could sup.
ply for his purpose, but are devoid OF perma-
nent interest.-North american ReUis,c.
collection, Tom, II, p, $780,
The Universe may be considered as the
palace in which the Deity resides; and the
Earth as one OF its apartments. In hls, all the
meaner races Of animated nature mechanically
obey him, and stand ready to execute his COM
mands without hesitation. Man alone is found
refractory; he is the only being entuec with the
power Of conlradlcting these mandates The
Deity was pleased 10 exert superior power in
creating him superior being; being sndued
with choice Of good and evil, aud capable, in
some measure, of cooperating with his own in
ten,ions. Man, therefore, may be considered as
limited creature, endued with powers imia-
tive of those residing in the Deity. He is
thrown into world tina, stands in need OF his
help, and he has been granted power oil pro-
| r., tt.tc
If, therefore, we consider the earth as allotted
for our habitaliun we shall find that much has
been given US 10 enjoy, and much to amend;
that we have ample reasons for our gratitude
and MANY S,r our industry. In those great out
lines of Nature, to which arr cannot reach, and
where our great efforts must have been inefec-
tual. God himself has finished every thing with
amazing grandeur and beauty. Our benihcen.
Father has considered these parts Of Nature as
peculiarly his own; as parts which no creature
could have skill or strength TO amend; and lie
has, therefore, made them incapable OF allera
ton, or Of more perfect regularity. Astrono-
mers, who are best skilled in the symmetry of
systems, can find nothing there that they can al
ter for the better. God made these perfect, be-
cause no subordinate being could correct their
defects.
When, therefore, we survey nature on this
side. nothing can be more splendid, more cor
rect, or more amazing. We there behold
Deity residing .Ihe midst o! a Universe, IN
finiteIy extended every way, animating all, and
cheering the vacuity with his presence! We
behold an immense and shapeless mass oil mat
ter, formed into worlds by his power, and dis
persed a, intervals, 10 which even the imagl-
nation cannot travel! In this great theatre Of
his glory, thousand suns, like our own, AMI.
mate their respective systems, appearing and
vanishing at divine command. We behold our
own bright luminary, fixed in the centre OF It's
system, wheeling its planets In times proper
toned to their distances, and at once dispensing
light, heat, and action. The Earth also is seen
with its twofold motion; producing, by the one,
the change of seasons, and by the other, the
grateful vicissitudes Of day and night With
what silent magnifcence is all this performed.
with what seeming ease! The works OF art
are exerted with interrupted force, and shelr
noisy progress discovers The distractions they
receive, but the Earth, with silent, steady ro-
tation, successfully presents every part OF its
bosom to the sun, at once imbiblng nourlsh-
ment and light from that parent Of vegetation
and fertility.
But not only provisions of heat and light are
thus supplied; the whole surface OF the earth is
covered with q transparent atmosphere that
turns with its motion, and guards il from ex-
ternal injury. The rays oflhe sun are thus bro
ken into genial warmth, and, while the sur
face is assisted, gentle heat is produced in the
bowels OF the earth, which contributes to cover
it with verdure. Waters also are supplied in
healthiul abundance, to support life, and assist
vegetation. Mountains rise 10 diversity The
prospect, and give current to the stream
Seas extend from one continent, TO the other,
replenished with animals that may be turned
10 human support, and also serving to enrich
the earth with sufficiency of apour. Breezes
fly along the surface Of the fields 20 promote
health and vegetation. The GOODNESS OF the
evening invites rest, and the freshness Of the
morning renews Tor labour.
Such art the delights Of the habitaton tina.
has been assigned 10 an: Without any one OF
these, he must have been wretc ied; and none
Of these could his own industry have supplied.
But while many of his wants are thus kindly
furnished. on the one hand, there ARE number
less Inconvenience to excite his industry OIL
the other This hahi,ation, though provided
with all the conveniences Of air, pasturage, and
water, IS but desert place without human cul-
tivation. The lowest animal finds more con-
yenienres in tho willie Of ., INC tho, be who