Weekly national intelligencer., 1850-05-18

thought be living fish was, in fact, fishing boat and
| their faith increases
figure of speechno unusual in ancient modern times
by which the impressions OF kind but impatient master
heart placed in the animals mouth without an intention
to signify hs the spake any other language than has 0tc
DR.. RAPHALL acknowledged be Of the best Hebrew
scholars of the day. asked if the English Interpretation
in the 18th Psalm of angeps food was correct, or that
made by snother inguist Of +" "oxen food He at once
cheeru declared that neither the other was the just
Interpretation of the original yet such read over
calmly and gravey If they entitled TO implicit credit
and respect because they written in book we call sacred
but whose character changed hy errors We see no
advantages from unahfu contraction extension OF the
lei have the true interpretation and not be reconciled
Till it is made
miar image with English sncestorshas been used in
translation instead of the southern animal,
ss lizard" That natron, soda has been mistaken for
nire !; and bass-a mixed meaor native copper"
Thus numerous Instances, the want of correct natural
knowledge in translator has exposed confusion in
the text designed for the instruction OF man, but still
ceaed from his understanding, by too great sensveness
upon the part of who would claim be the exclusive
guardians OF what the Deity evidently designed whole
some communication to all.
Whie some decline admit any other Interpretation than
that they have been taught, others object Scrptua quota
ons references altogether irregular among scientific
men, when describing the active agents of life they study
If the God of Revelation is different from the God Of the
Natural Universe let exhibit the distinction for
own paH, look upon their attributes identical And
truth which is elected by the dlgent inquirer into the
natural of the Deiy-dbued if for the purposes Of
guiding directly knowledge of His character and in
enons-can conflict with the correct transations of
vealed truth .%
When there appears to be discrepancy let carefully
continue and reexamne the text the figures of
language and the differences Of The of the people
the age which the Book written, and the correct lights
Of science will surely lead TO just interpretation
in other OF faithful and exact observation, valuable i'm
pr and corrections made in the practical appca
tions Of astronomy, navigation and geography such
alSp of
tious in their observatonsha the interpreters of ma
ture, they do exhibit fancifu differences but scutnze
with kind exacude the abors of Others and thus render
truth OF more importance than scientific nomenclature
attachment unnecessary metaphysical nicee which might
otherwise take the preference of practical utility.
Upon the argument which Professor AGAssIz entered,
many of opinion might have been advantageousy
continued, after the timely subsistence OF feeling, with the
earnest desire for the advancement of TRUTH both in Ma
ture and Revelation neither of which be benefited by
attempt to avert discussion upon subjects involving the vel
fare OF social society. ...... ...r..-..,. ~. |
IF the opinion expressed by portion of the clergy be
rect, tina. of the naturalist. calmly advanced, d. niu
ry If the contrary men have yielded to too easy, in
rcate, imperfect interpretation Of text let the benefit of
the observations employed for the adjustment of
what proves difficulty. There authority like Truth.
Those who have witnessed the vivid descriptions of Prof
AGAssz, in the correction Of error in the previous nvesga
tons OF natural science or have observed his rapid but dis
tinct uerance, quick hand, and energetic gestures in
nouncng scientific discovery from careful observa
ton ard correct appreciation of design in the Originator
moist and eloquent lips and the impress of mind and heart
they observe something approaching ideas of the
inspiration of truth than is usual in this sge among any
class of men. ..-... ...#
The progress of natural science may some of the
preconcepons OF the metaphysican, eudae clear
y the just Interpretation of the language of divine inspira
ton, but it has had the effect change mems opinion
OF vital important truth, and cannot have such
influence ..'...
We consider to be in bad and feeling attempt
interrupt the evidences of natural science, by dstru of
their utmae influences upon translation OF Scrptue-or
TO refuse 10 the investigators OF natural laws the employment
of the energetic language of the Scriptures whose powerful
figures of speech all drawn from natural images obtained
believe, by the processes of truthful observation
and experience we employ for the perfection Of know
ledge. wye. ....
We consider it impossible that any cam kind or unpro
JUDGED listener to the various investigations of different
scientific gentlemen assembled in Charleston could avoid the
impression that the references TO the Scriptures employed by
some Of them honest heartfelt, and approp late. Lieut.
MAuRr, particularly, elucdated his theory Of the winds in
beautiful manner by reference the Hebrew writings and
evnced the feeling OF satisfaction that he had been
anticipated with such great accuracy by ancient author
who had de cbed the natural phenomena of the currents of
winds closely in accordance with the experience which,
by the aids OF modern science he had oei accumulate
, the evidence OF. ... .....s
The illustrations made upon the large map Of the world
exhibited the comparative relations Of land and upon
globe, and the influences which temperature moisture
evaporation and elevation had in causing the varieties and
circuits of the different currents of wind ...
More than 500 years ago description written in the
Book Of Eccesiastes if all the scientific results had then
been accumulated for the resemblance of the descrp
| tive pictures ..., ."...
The wind goeth the south, and urneth about to the
north- whreh about continually wind returneth
again, according to its circuits. '..
All the rivers into the the ful-nto
the place from whence the rivers thher they return
to 60 again
The impressive action unaffected one and feeling conf
dence Lieut.. MAURY exhibited while addressing the Rev
chairman, DR.. BAcHaAS, in the strong language of the
Scriptures, considered noble and most appropriate finale
to the overwhelming evidence he offered the wisdom con-
uivance and adaptations of the Creator. We cannot con-
ceve possible for any class of be more honestly
impressed by or better entitled to employ, the beautiful
powerful, and natural illustrations of the Scriptures than
those whose constant enjoyment is study the laws and
observe the established by the Dey throughout
this world, and those distant worlds which appear in the
heavens We claim for natuas the right to such reference
and scrunyard to crc and correct errors
on, which have been too easily admitted 10 our conf
dence and sometimes insisted upon with too great tena
city by professional or sectarian p.epossession
The references TO the Pleiades-of the Book of Job-and
to the round" form Of the earth il several of David
Psalm-accordng to recent version-ee also offered
evidence proof of scientific attainment exhibited by He
brew authority. in confirmation of modern discovery bv
Lieut. MAuRY, in gentle and decided but bold and
impressive There works in the ancient languages
which frequently refer TO objects of history and
natural science the Hebrew Scriptures and we gain
correct information of the laws which truly regulate the na,u
raj world, increase knowledge of Just conpa-
risons, drawn from that source, which freely offered
in the Scriptures.
There is necessity then, that the explanation, or trans
ll.t,1. ..nE-