Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1879-11-20
JON

FROM tho Washington Br,ie~ aud Examiner
Every year increases the interest of
the cultured in the discoveries Of
scientists, whether they be made in
the fields OF science or in the classic
or sacred grounds Of the Eastern
world 4 wonderful discovery in the
former, is soon followed by one equal
~ startling in the latter. Whilst
practical philosophers aud skilled
chemists are -training their intellccts
to discover new properties III solids
and IN forming new combinations with
fluids, explorer. are bu.ly at work
in making excavations where cities
yt ancient rcuown were buried. 1t
seems like contest between mind
and muscle FOR superiority in start
ling the intellectual world. Uuprcce-
dcntcd successes have recently been
achieved by cXcavators, that confirm
disputed portions in sacred aud pro-
fame history. One Of them il most
gratifying to us, that Is the discovery
of the tomb Of Jonah. Although not
intimately acquainted with him. We
have cherished his memory with en-
thu.ia~tic admiration. our affection
for him may not quite equal the love
OF woman for her fr.t.born--we have
no experimental knowledge Of the
depth OF that love, because owing 10
our peculiar construction we never
had a first born, but suppose that in
linear measure and volume it exceeds
the deepest wcll-but it is deep, strong
aud of long standing,
Adam has his admirers, and Eve
her deyotccs David has hosts of
friends, and Solomon's name has but
to be mentioned in a crowd to elicit
louder plaudi,s than can be called
forth by the thrilling cloquence of
even Bunty Logan. Praises are sung
to those noted fire rcsi-tants -t the
Hebrew children-and all navigators
rally when Noah's skill as a pilot is
questioned Cattle raisers hold in
high regard the grazing exercises of
Mr.. Ncbuchadnczzar. Mule cultiva.
tors point with pride to the triumphs
of Samson with the bones of an asses
jaw. Those who have patience to list
en- t0 the yammer of malignants about
Southern Brigadicrs," have great re-
spect for the patient job. Those con-
nected with menageries worship the
picture Of the reckless Daniel entering
the cage of lions. Indeed there are
scores of ancient celebrities who have
many unfaltering friends. amongst
whom are Sarah. Gideon, Rachel and
Bildad. Such as are destitute of ca
pillaries on their brain pans, accept
the good old bald-headed Elisha as
their saint Those varied classes will
fight for their idols at the drop of
the hat.
AT this particular writing we can.
not recall the name of any one more
deserving of the admiration of the
human family than the Honorable
Jonah. Adam may be reverenced,
but Jonah is entitled to gushing love.
The former cavorted in a garden, and
had nothing to do but fatten on the
luxuries set before him, dance, swing
bis partner down the walks, and waltz
her over the flower beds, Of the lovely
Eden. But, by inexcusable weakness
If we mdy be allowed TO reflect
upon one whose reputation is world
wide, and TO whom mankind are uu-
der a number of obligations--he sur
rendered pleasures that would have
been eternal, and left as a heritage to
his descendants, trials, pains, tribula-
tions and temptations. The fact that
disgusting snakes have to walk on
their bellies is but poor recompense
for the Affections caused by the want
of spine in the weak old man. The
truth is he deserves no credit for the
belly travelling of serpepts. Had they
remained upright and been required
TO walk upon the extremity Of their
narratives, their approach could be
seen in time TO enable the seed of
woman TO gather sufficient ground seed
to bruise the heads of the accursed.
But the immortal Jonah was not
guilty Of any such indiscreiion. His
greatest crime was a little blasphem-
ing when this boat on which he had