Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-03-23

one thing alone, but one thing with other things toSe-
,ber."-Lat &6f.
No. K.-TuEsDAy, MAacu %, 1851.
From the Attic Of MENUS Negation, Esquire.
Crl,,m ipsum pe,imus auitiia'-floa.
There has been perhaps subject in the whole
range of metaphysical specula,ions which has ex-
cited more surmises as to Its nature and quail
ties. elected more absurd and contradictory the
cries as to its ultimate destiny, than that invis-
HE. incomprehensible essence-the Soul. Phi
losophers in all ages and countries have marked
ont the discovery in some cases, OF its existence,
and in all. Of its characteristics, as the Ultima
IHufe of their researches. All the doctrines on
this subject,-the offspring OF mans reason,-
which have been supported. have been as false
and unsatisfactory to the mind as their authors
have been inadequate TO the task they had under
taken. While man has been able, without super
natural assistance, to explore and make known
the great secrets of the Universe; while few of
the master spirits of our earth have rendered all
Its productions. in some form or other, advanta-
reously subseryient to mans will, and exhibited,
as in mirror, to the astcnished gaze of their fell
lov-men the before unconceiyed magnhcence Of
the worlds above US, and laid open the economy
of SIMS and sys,ems: While the discoveries in
science and art have contributed to mans ad-
,ancemept in civilization, and added to his COM
forts. Though at the same time they have enlarg-
ed rhe sphere of his wants. in degree, OF which
the first inhabitants Of our earth could never
have dreamed: And while even the elements
acknowledge the extent of his power-stll all has
attempts to penetrate the veil of destiny have
been futile.
The great problem was solved at an unexpect-
sd moment The minds Of men, 50 long en-
chainedby the grandeur and pageantry Of splen-
did mythology, anil looking to the enjoyments of
sense as the blessed occupations Of a hereafter,
were but i'll fitted for the reception OF religion
whose only grandeur was the moral Snblimity OF
its doctrines, whose rewards were such as their
crovellinc conceptions could never appreciate
the value Of. For this reason, combined with
other causes which it is not our province 10 no.
tice, many rejected the divine knowledge given
them of the souls true destiny, as false; and
went on to build up for themselves new theories
as shortliye,l as untrue. Pal pable and unerfing
tests of the truth of the sacred knowledge have
been multiplied even to the present day; vet st!
we NAV find men who prefer to manufacture
crccds for themselves, and even to put faith IN
them.
Not viewing the subject as connected with re-
violation, we have entertained many and various
aporoach to the Incredible, that an invisible i'm
paipabe essence. Of whose existence we are not
corporealiy conscious, should live within US
iormingno essential TO our animal life, yet with
out which man would degenerate to the brute
imperyious to the ills OF our mortal state, and iv
inc with us, vet unconscious of life till we cease
10 exist; not seen, and living through ages as a
moment till the final day, then the object of suf-
fering-for this presupposes materiahty-
into being at the birth of an infant. yet co-exist-
ent through eternity with Deity itself. We know
not, by any outward SIGN, thai we possess it,
vet are we ntuitively aware tina, such is the case
FIRMLY believing in it, vet often doubling it..
Ii belongs to man alone, yet no man knows what
it is, nor even what part of his body it mhabits.
1t is a mystery which reason cannot throw light
upon.
We are equally in the dark as to what portion
Of the universe is appropriated for its abiding
place hereafter; whether those countless worlds
that to our eyes impearl the regions of space, are
destined for such as it, we know not Nor can
we certainly conclude that it is to hold fellowship
with spirits from the .'vasty deep" Alike in
this as in its attributes and nature, it is incom-
prehensible--'' we know not whence it cometh
or whittier it goeth.''
We are aware that we have been treading on
dangerous ground; but innocent in our intentions
in embodying a fe,c Of our reflections on the sub
iect for this number of our invaluable papers, we
hone the public will look on what we nave SAID
acc ordingly.