The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1853-07-28
1859 AND 1852,

A writer in the Gentlsman's Magazine, pub
lished in England, has been examining some Of
the old files of that publication, to see what
occupied the thoughts of the people hundred
years ago. One writer treats of the change
from the old to the new style, by which eleven
days were lost to him. He went to bed on
Wednesday Sd of September, 1852, and awoke
on Thursday, September l4th. A more striking
illustration of the times land yet such illustra
tons are furnished by men in all tines is af-
forded by writer who asserted that inocula-
ton for the smallpox is irreligious The Illus
trious obscure author maintained that PrOvi-
dence had wisely ordained small pox to be fatal,
and human science to be unavailable against
it! The greatness of His power was thus con-
trasted with the weakness of our frames
Smallpox, as this conservative gentleman con-
jectured amongst other purposes is sent as
severe memento Of mortality, and close and
reasonable check to that pride and overfondnesS
with which beautiful face is too apt to inspire
the giddy owner; and also to teach the boosted
sons of science humility and reverence" Such
is the argument, italics included, with which
the pious advocate for smallpox according to
nature inveighed against the inoculators, He
held that incubation is q human scheme In
opposition to the wise designs and dispense
tons Of Providence both general and particu'
lar, (which all Christians and especially IN
structors of youth, should prudently avoid"
Again, writer treats of young gentleman OF
Montpelier. being hanged by order of the
Popish authorities for attending Protestant
religious assembly and of poor nun solemn
ly devoted to hell in her dying hour, because
she was suspected Of Jansenism, OF reading the
Scriptures on the strength of her own private
Judgment, and because she would not declare
as damnable the lOl propositions OF Father
Quesnel, condemned by the Pope. She men'
have pleaded guilty to the first two, but with
regard to the last, she had no more read the
propositions than had the Pontif who pro
nounccd them "hellish and worthy of damna
ton" The propositions condemned are not to
be found in Quesnel's book but it was the
idle custom of the day for Pontiffs and Prelates
bo af6x their signatures to declarations and I'D.
dresses Of which they were incapable of being
the authors. "Have you read my last charge
TO my clergy?" said the Archbishop Of r-Sss,
once to Piron. "No, my lord, " answered that
wicked wit "has you?"
Some writer's were treating of DR.. Franklins
then recent discovery respecting electricity but
the sapans of the period doubted whether
would ever have any practical value. We see
in the New York papers accounts that the
electric telegraph is being introduced into no
tells and private dwellings in that city and II
will not probably, be many years before q gen
tleman may sit in his dwelling and, by lev
touches with his finger, obtain information
from the remotest corner of the land ms
result may be attributed mainly to DIR. Frank
Inns discovery, the usefulness of which 50 pu'-
xled the brains of philosophers century ago
ID mas been said that VIC know what we are,
but we know not what we shall bcl" 1t may
be doubted whether we do really know rad
zoe are-certainly, we do not know what We
shall be-