Rutland herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1823-1847, 1843-04-11

,euup, his breakfast, here set down his coffee cup
Perhaps" said he "thcro is nothing that will bet
ter illustrate the progress Of true Philosophy, and
the victory that reason is gradually gaining over
superstitious fear than the history OF Comets, and
the influence which their appearance has had in
cessve ages. In pagan times, events were sup
posed 10 happen according 10 the laws Of nature,
by chance, or through the nlerpostion Of the Gods
Accumulated observations and the deductions OF
reason have increased the number. or at less, eI-
tended the influence Of the first. Philosophy has
long since ceased TO recognize Chance; and the
doctrine ola SPECIAL Providence is almost uni
,ersally discarded by those who bring the lamp Of
reason TO Illustrate the doctrines o. Revelation, and
who consider truth never at variance with Religion
II seems TO me ifrelisious opinion, 40 Usiieve
tha, the moral world Is 50 imperfcety organized
10 require for the punishment Of vice or he reward
OF virtue, the in,erler Of its Omnseien Author
The doctrine implies want OF foresight in the De
ny. Yet 1t is a superstition. ror must consider it
such) so fortified by antiquity and the authority of
holy men, as still 10 have many supporters among
The pious, and some among the learned.
But was speaking Of Comets. As Astrology
made every individuals fate dependent his
horoscope, so fear of those who regulate the cees.
,ial bodies, made the destiny and welfare of ma
tons hang on the movements of Comets. It was
but seldom thai, these fearful prodges took notice
OF the Affairs Of individuals The birth of mighty
prince, however OF the assassination of an empe-
ror sometimes called them forth. Thus Shakespeare
says, in julius Caesar, believe:
when beggars die, there are no Comets seen;
The heavens themselves blaze forth the death Of
princes"
TWAS as the supposed harbingers of fearful con
WILSON'S in the political and physical world, that
Comets were regarded with peculiar terror in bar
barous and supers'itlous ages. Plaques, famines
and earthquakes, wars revolutions and civil blood
shed we're among the dreadful evils which they por-
tendsd 10 the terrified and distracted imaginations
OF men, The appearance Of these instruments Of
divine wrath the signal for the most earnest at
tempts 10 appease the indignation Of Heaven. Costly
offerings, seli-orturing penancc, VOWS, tears fasting
pilgrimages and prayers The niercession of saints
in christian countries, and human sacrifices in less
enlightened lands, were resored to as the means Of
propitia,ing an offended Deity. Terror was depict
| ed on every countenance misery aud anguish dwell
in the hearts OF all, Till time restored them to them
selves by the occurrence Of calamnities which this
| very madness, perhaps, produced, or by an exhibit
| ton of mercy which their own infatuated devotion
or the intercessoa Of saints, had certainly no part
in Obtaining. II these gloomy apprehensions ever
gave place 10 the spirit Of conjecture, Comets were
considered the abodes OF the damned or assigned tc
some other purpose, equally indici,ve of the reigr
ofignorance and superstition. These absurd opin
ions are now no longer INDUCED and those more
absurd fears are now regarded among the intell
gent and enlightened only subjects Of wonle
mrlh. But, alas !" continued the old man, with ;
phanthropic sigh, 'lhe soeptre Of superstition i:
not yet wholly broken; the perfect reign Of reason
has not yet come. o, human ignorance the source
Of half our folly, and all our unhappiness 1t is
sad reflection, ye, let US remember, in our mirih
that there are thousands, even in our own country
who pass sloepess nights and anxious days, in thu
fear Of some terrible calamity which they imagine
this hairy monster prolends. Yes, those pray nov
20, unholy offering9 who never prayed before
Those weep now whom crimes unnumbored have
before cost no pang of remorse. And the fear o
death brings 10 many deuded minds the remem
brance OF sins that conscience had forgotten CaI
any ;ta,e te SO truly piiiable Can any chains b
so heavy as the chains of supers,ilion-a gloom,
fear that binds the reason, That darkens the soul
that shuts up every avenue OF peace 0, happiness
Ny children and you, sir, be grateful tina, you al
no, miserable from sickness, ignomny, or want
be grateiui tat you are mol slaves OF saNages' ou
above all, thank C cd that you were not born 10 a
inheritance OF ignorance and superstition"
A tear glisened in the old mans eye, and in III
eye OF every one OF US. The incense Of gra,iiud
, rose to Heaven from every heart. 1t was the hou
OF morning prayer. We rose from the table. W
knelt-and offered praise and thanksgiving 10 tn
fountain OF every mercy and Of every blessing
Yours, FELIX LlMBER.
Il To hsrHorY WHITTLr.
"Wednesday, March 29th.