The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1848-04-29
Moral Readings.
The Scriptures as Specimen
of Literature.


In simplicity aud purity Nfstyle, and in o.
Tiginnlity ofsentiment, the Bible stands tinrl-
vailed. Its purity and eloqnence are unsur-
passed by any productions, ancient or mod
crn. Its material for the exercise of deep
thought, for cultyating the taste, for invlgor-
,uting the imagination, and for eIiciilng the
best feelings Of the soul, is rich and exhaust
less. Its weigny doctrines, the hopes II en-
kudles, the fears 1t allays, alike, prove its di-
vine original.
No human composition is so exquisite ms
uI,Oays to please. Its stores of wisdom are
quickly exhausted: the eye soon perceives the
end of created perfection; but the beauties of
the Bible are none the less lovely, though the
charm of novelty may have passed away.
He who can read the inspired narration of
Moses with diminished interest, can have no
beauty in his own soul. Cold must be that
heart which does not kinde at his eloquence
and melt nj his pathos!
Moses account of the Creation is unique
ii il abrupt, simple, sublime. The volume
of destiny is suddenly thrown open; time is
proclaimed; creation arises; and new rnce
of intelliGences appears oil The scene. Inc
Almighty voice is addressed TO Chaos; Con
fusion hears il, and wild Uproar stands ruled'
The waters Subside; the verdapt landscape Is
seen; songs burst from every grove; and stars,
bright rolling, silent ufeuUllDpI uTe HuTIeu
-Iorth from the Almighty's hands.
The style of Moses as mn historian is the
best model, both in The vigorous and the sub
lime, the pleasing aud the tender. His his
tory is clothed with tho grace Of eloquence,
the charms ofpoetry aud the fascination OF
fiction.
The Bible is replete with poetry. The He
AIrew poets rouse, warm, and transport the
nnd, in strains the sweetest and boldest that
bard ever sung-in numbers the loillest that
Imagination ever dictated. No poetry eXtant
equals that which comes to us fEom the rnpt
patriarch of Idumea,S the inspired prophets
of Salem; from the schools ofBethel aud Jer-
icho. The Bible is the prototype. the unri-
Valled model of and inspirer of all that is ele-
waited in poetry. 1t has been fountain from
which, later poets nave drawn their richest
thoughts, their boldest figures, their graudIst
Imagery.
The Pslams of David are an elegant spec-
men of poetic literature. The character of
sheir dicton aud expression is vivid, the
thoughts animated, passionate. They COM
municate truths, which philosophy could new
or investigate, in II style which uninspired
poetry can never equal The Hebrew litera
lure itself contains nothing more lovely.
Among the prophetic writers, Isaiah stands
unrivalled. His language possesses surprls-
ing beauties. His triumphul song upon the
fall of the BahyloniSh monarch is rep!ete with
imagery, diversified and sublime. The CON
ception is bold, the characters are introduced
with wonderful art. Nothing is wanting to
defend its claims 10 perfect beauty. In every
excellence of composition, it is unequalled
by any specimen cfGreck or Roman poetry.
The strains of Ezekiel break forth like the
gushing OF n mighty fountain. He is deep,
vehement, tragcaI. lie rouses every energy
ofthe soul; overwhelms the mind with his
hold figures, abrupt transactions. tervid eX-
pressions. Bat he who astonishes us by his
graphic images, possesses at the snme time,
The lovelness ofthe sweetest poet. For in
vigoratng the Imagination, for giving ener-
Ey of thought aud bodness of expression, the
writings of Ezekiel are unequalled.
Such is the Literature of the Scriptures
Written 10y its numerous authors, during the
space of fifteen hundred years, in the sands
of Arabia, in she deserts ofJUdal, in the RUS
tic schools fthe prophets, in the sumpnous
palaces of Babylon, in the bosom of pantlIesm
and it's sad philosophy, The Bible comes 10 us
the oldest offspring of sanctified intellect, The
highest effort of genius, the effusions of truth
and nature the overflowings of genuine feel
ing, the ltterance of undisguised sentiments.
1t is essential truth, the thoughts Of heaven.
This volume was conceived in the councils
ofeternal mercy. 1t contains the wnndrous
story of redeeming love. 1t hluzes with the
irIstre of Jehovat's glory. 1t is calculated to
soften the heart; to elevate the soul. 1t is adj
apted to pour the balm of heaven into The
wounded heart: to cheer the dying hour; aud
40 shed the light of Immortality upon the
darkness of tie tomb. The force of its truth
compelled the highly-gifted but infdel Byron
TO testify that
Within this awful volume lies
The mystery of mysteries.
% happiest they of human race,
To whom our God hath given grace
To hear. to read, to fear, to pray,
To lift the latch and force the way!
But better had they neer been born,
who read to doubt, or read to scorn.
STATE OF VERMONT.