PROGRESS OF LIGHT AND FROM THE SIXTH EDITION, IMPROVED. I. HISTORICALLY. SUPPOSING that an infant was lost in a desolate wilderness-found by an animal, and nursed until he arrrived at the age of twenty years-then found by hunters, and brought to a company of gentlemen of different dialects what language would he be able to converse in? A moment's reflection would negative the whole as some instances might be cited to exemplify-which shows that language is not an innate principle of nature, but acquired wholly by art, from each other; hence his animal could not teach or learn him. Again-Suppose a child born into the world asleep, and should continue in that state till he arrived to maturity, and then should awake with the full powers of his intellectual capacity and strength of mind; beholding august nature with its beauties various forms and different modes, presenting to view! What must be the feelings, exercise and sensations of that person? Wonder and astonishment! Here the question will arise-Who learnt the first man to talk? seeing he had no parents to teach him. The Mosaic account gives us to understand, that the Maker of man gave man a law to keep. Common sense, says, it must have been fitted to his capacity -which communication involves the idea of language, of course. Therefore it follows as a consequence, that the Maker of man learnt man to talk. Moreover, in order that he might not be too great a wonder and mystery to himself, but that he should feel the force of his obligation and dependence on his Creator and Governor, as a responsible agent, it is reasonable to admit, that the Creator gave him to understand what had happened the five preceding days. This being once communicated to him he would be able to communicate the information to another in turn. What is obvious to sense, is a subject of knowledge; and what a man knows, he is able to give a rational account of. Of course, what he passed through subsequently, being obvious to his senses, and a subject of knowledge, he would be able to communicate that likewisehence the scriptural account of man's creation and fall, is not unreasonable, but rational-to be admitted and believed. But how did Moses find it out? who communicated it to him? Adam lived 930 years; Methuselah lived 969, and died the year before the flood; the aggregate of 1899-yet, from the creation to the flood, was but 1656; which shows that these two patriarchs were cotemporary more than 240, or about 243 years-and in that time Adam could have given the communication. The sons of Noah were born before the flood, and must have been cotemporary with Methuselah nearly one hundred years, or more-and surviving the flood several hundred years. Isaac was at least 50 years old when Shem died!Thus there were but two intermediate persons between Adam and Isaac, to connect the chain of tradition, viz. Methuselah and Shem!* The * A similar traditionary evidence was exhibited a few Choctaws sold a tract of country to the United States, in years ago, which may serve for an illustration. the fork of two rivers, (viz. Tombigby and Alabama,) the Creek Indians claimed the soil: evidence from neigh boring tribes was called in, viz. Chickasaws and Cherokees-referring to a council of more than 100 years anterior-which evidence was not a transcript of record, but purely traditionary-and was mutually satisfactory to all parties. A generation of modern times, we suppose to be about 30 years-the intermediate 3-the first and present would make 5. Here notice the following correct relation for a period of 2553. Adam was cotemporary with Lamech 56 years; with with Cainan 605; and with Enos 695. Methuselah 243; with Jared 470; with Mahalaleel 535; Noah was cotemporary with Lamech 695 years; with Methuselah 600; with Jared 366; with Mahalaleel 234 ; with Cainan 179; and with Enos 84. Shem was cotemporary with Lamech 93 years; with Methuselah 98; with Noah 448-and after the flood with Abraham 150, and with Isaac 50-a period of 2158 years from the creation-shows how easy the creation and fall of man could be transmitted down to the time of Moses. Out of what language were the books of to God for the origin of letters, as well as for the Old Testament translated? Hebrew. the origin of language and navigation! And From whom was that collection derived? also the evidence of "one God" could be From the Hebrews. Why were they called Hebrews? From Heber an ancestor of Abra ham. It was not long from the days of Abraham to the time of Moses; and the worship of one God was set up in the family of Abraham, as a compact and continued in that mode; hence the family would be as a repository, to preserve and transmit the tradition until letters were in vogue to furnish a record. Who learnt Moses to write? The first writing of which we have any account, was the "ten commands of God." written by the finger of God himself. Thus we are indebted known only from the same source, viz. Divine communication, by revelation; instead of being fathomed merely by human reason! To give a history of God Almighty, is impracticable; but a brief sketch of some of his most prominent dispensations is within the bounds of possibility, and is the design of the Old Testament, for the benefit of those that should come after. Hence that history was continued until the time of the Greeks and Romans, when human records connected with prophetic and sacred writings, would exhibit a continuation and succession of events. But in most nations and countries, in different ages, literature has been limited, supisaac died at the age of 190 years, and in the age of the pressed, and tramelled; so that, in a great world 2288-and Levi, his grand-son, who died at the age degree, the original and most important events of 137, was contemporary with Isaac a number of years of that nation are under a cloud, or lost in --and was the great grand-father of Moses and Aaron on the father's side, but only grand-father on the mother's darkness, if not sunk in oblivion; like the side; for the daughter of Levi was the mother of Moses. Barbarians that overran the Roman empire, Amram the father of Moses, died at the age of 137-Kohath, the grand-father, at 133, who was the son of Levi- destroying and despising every thing connecthence his grand-son must have married his own daughter.ed therewith, as tending to unman them and Moses died at the age of 120, and Aaron 123, and in the year of the world 2553. After which Joshua took the command, and the judges in succession, to the time of Saul and David Whoever will notice the custom of Quakers in keeping a register of their marriages, births, deaths, &c. will find that 10.000 years genealogy might be traced back on the same mode, in a line of succession, intelligibly-also the statute laws of Connecticut would admit of the same thing, being founded on a similar Jewish policy. Hence the genealogy of Christ is not so objectionable as many would suggest; nor the Mosaic account likewise A similar line of events may easily be traced down in order and succession, to the time of Cyrus the Persian, and the return of the Jews from Babylon, in which time the Greek and Roman histories began-and which exhibit a chain of events to the time of our Lord, in the reign of Augustus Caesar-to the commencement of "Modern History," and so to our day. The idea of tide-water in drowning the Egyptians, is substituted to do away that of a miracle, by some. But ted to be but about sixty miles over. Hence, if tide-water was in one sea, it would be rational to suppose it would be found in the other. But geographers and navigators annul the idea of regular tides in one sea, and hence may When Alexander the Great, travelled from Europe to Africa, and built the city which still retains his name, then went towards India, he must have gone over once or twice near the Red Sea; and had there been tide water, why not they become acquainted with it? But we find that they were panick-struck, when they found the flood tide in the east; supposing the laws of nature to be reversed, and that the gods were frowning upon them. Hence it is plain, they were ignorant of the naparts over which they had passed, and therefore none in that part of the Red Sea; which idea of course must be considered of modern date, and has no foundation in com let it be remembered, that the Isthmus of Suez is admit reject it, as it relates to the other. cause them to become effeminate. The papers and books of the East Indian Christians, were destroyed by the European priests, as bordering on heresy. When the French revolution took place, the papers of the court were destroyed-quoting an ancient practice for the sanction. And where and when was there a faithful history of a court published? We But nevertheless, the writings of some have survived the wreck of nations, even through the dark feudal times; and the European nations are able to give some account of former times in some small degree, as it relates to them: still the subject is but partial when compared and contrasted with America. are able to produce the particulars of our beginning; and even the first stone that an emigrant stepped upon in New England, as he got out of the boat, might be produced; and the progress in population-in the arts and sciences. Why is it that America is more able to give a rational and particular account than others? Because of their liberty and freedom to communicate by writing and speaking, and investigating whatsoever appears interesting to them without fear or restraint. For the Apostle says, "Whatsoever maketh manifest is light." Truth will stand the test of light, and of course will bear investigation. And the present state of the Jews are a convincing But our Lord mentions some who prefer "darkproof of these ancient relations of past events, beingness to light, because their deeds are evil." ture of tide-water antecedent; and therefore none in those mon sense for its support. founded not in fable, but on fact, to the inquiring mind, who will give evidence its due and proper weight in the scale of reason-when he compares things with things, to see their fitness; connected with the inward convictions of the Spirit of God upon his mind; and would inquire after truth and act with an eye to the eternal world; as one who would wish to make sure work to depart hence, in peace and safety; and insure a happy eternity. Those things exhibit the propriety of liberty to think, and act, and to communicate without restraint, so far as it does not injure and wrong our neighbor. For where is the righteousness and justice in taking away the key of know! edge, that others may be kept in ignorance? Ir has been thought by many that there must have been more Adams than one-in order for the black, white, and red colors. But, let it be remembered, that people of a different color, in a different climate, have a different language. Of course, if all the world originally were of one family, they would be of one language and of one color.* Hence, if the variety of languages did not come by a gradual departure, perversion, and degeneration of speech, it must follow as being some extraordinary dispensation of Divine Providence-if so, the inference would justly follow, that their color was changed at the same time. In the voyage of Captain Cook, I think it is mentioned, that they took on board an Indian, by the name of Tupah, from an island in the Pacific ocean-whom they denominated prime minister. He told them in what course such and such islands lay, and the distances, &c., and how he, for 30 days-sailed in a boat or canoe as fast as his (Capt. Cook's) vessel went a distance of 3,600 miles, according to Capt. Cook's sailing, he found the islands the natives were affrighted, until this Indian called to them; and they knew his voice, and gave attention, &c. Again-When this Indian who was with Cook, and on his return from England to the Pacific isles, they called at New Zealand; and the natives could converse with him in such a manner as to be able to understand each other though their languages were different --yet their idioms were so near alike as to be understood, as above-and admitted the just, necessary, and proper inference, that they originally were one; and that those people over the Pacific isles descended from the same origin. By viewing the map, it will be seen that New Zealand lays not a vast distance from New Holland-which has obtained the name of a continent--being 2000 miles one way, and 2800 the other. Notice again the islands almost in sight of each other, in a string, until your eye will discover a cape, from the continent of Asia, of some hundreds of miles, extending into the Indian sea-Look again, in the direction from thence to "mount Ararat," where, we understand, the "ark of Noah rested." When in the western country, I found drove after drove, family after family, "journeying from the east ;" the "land of steady habits"who came from the east-Europe --which doubtless was peopled from the east-Asia! Sacred history informs us, that Egypt was the land of Ham so mentioned in Psalms. From NAMES of places in Europe, answering to those mentioned in the division of the world, according to the Mosaic account, the inference would be that JAPETH's descendants peopled that part of the world; while the Canaanites were dispossessed by the descendants of Shem under Joshua-as the Canaanites had taken possession of that part of the earth by invasion or assumption, contrary to the original division of the earth. Thus it would appear that Shem peopled Asia, Japeth peopled Europe, and Ham peopled Africa. President Stiles, I think informs us, that in the Straits of Gibraltar, on the Morocco side, there was a monument found with the following inscription: "We are those that fled from Joshua the robber, the son of Nun ;"--the inference of which would be, that when the Canaanites were routed, they fled in different directions; and some of them coming up by water through the straits got into the Atlantic, and wandering about in quest of Islands on the African side, would fall into the trade winds-and being without compass in that solitary age of the world, the consequence would be, that they must float to the West Indies or America; while others might wander to the N. E. part of Asia, and come over on the ice to the N. West coast of America; while other people in process of time night come from Denmark and Norway, and find the way to Greenland, &c. There were no Eels in the upper Lakes, 1. Their numbering by tens. 2. Their computing time by a cycle of seven days. 3. Setting apart a seventh until a British officer had a number taken from day for religious purposes. 4. Use of sacrifices. 5. Con- Ontario and put into Erie; no Frogs in Ireland secrating of Temples and Altars. 6. Sanctuaries, or until Dean Swift had some spawn brought from places of refuge. 7. Giving a tenth of their fields, &c. 8. Worshipping barefooted. 9. Abstinence of men from Britain, and in seven years after they spread over all sensual gratifications previous to their offering sacri- the country. Clover was brought from Flanfice. 10. The order of priesthood and its support. 11.ders to England, and from thence to America. The notion of legal pollutions and defilements. 12. The universal tradition of a general deluge. 13. Universal opinion of the Rain Bow was a divine sign or portent, &c. &c.-shews their beginning must have had one orig inal. Genesis x. 32, and Acts xvii. 25, 26. The wild cattle and asses in Mexico and South America, are those that were imported and strayed away; which things would be a mys tery how they came so, provided there was no History to give account by casting Light on the subject. Two Leopards have been killed on the Mississippi, above Natchez, a few years since, though that creature is not mentioned in the Book of American animals. Probably they escaped from some ship that was wrecked and lost. When Pizarro and Cortes were ranging for gold, I think we are informed of a servant who found a few grains of Wheat in the lining of a garment; which were carefully preserved and being sown with attention, began the origin of wheat in the New World. A similar accident gave rise to the discovery of that important article Potatoe, in Hibernia, and also Egyptian Wheat. Dr. Rush, I think, admitted that many of the most valuable discoveries in Medicine were made by Quacks, or in some accidental way, though at first opposed, because they do not belong to common theory; but the force and weight of truth cuts its way, and so finds admission. The Indian in the chase invented the raft to pursue his prey-hence the improvement of navigation. The depth of water gave rise to oars where setting poles would not do; to steer through with a load and not get wet, gave rise to carrying canoes and making boats; to save labor and go with speed and ease, the origin of sails. Theory in the head, without practice, answers but a poor purpose in the different arts of life; while he who has not the theory at all by rule, only the practical part, will do and work wonders. These observations when taken on the ground of possibility and probability too, shows how the world has been and might be peopled agreeably to geographical and the Mosaic account when done with proper allowances is correct with common sense. The Choctaws and Chickasaws talk different languages, yet so nearly related are they, that they will make each other understand; which shows there was an original. So also the corruption of the French spoken by a Canadian, that a pure Parisian would not understand him at all; while he would understand all the Parisian meant. Geographical with the Mosaical account, connect with common sense, cast LIGHT on things that we observe in the present state of the world. God said "I will place my Bow in the cloud;" which expression would seem to imply that it was not there before the flood otherwise, how could it be put there, there and then, for a sign? The "Rain Bow," being accounted for on "natural principles," the question will arise, where the "laws of nature," so called, are altered? Ans. No; not the principle; only the mode. There is no evidence of there being any rain previous to the flood, but a "mist went up and watered the earth," which was a substitute for rain; as is the case in some countries, to wit: in Egypt to the present day. Dews, however heavy, even to wetting the ground copiously, never produce rainbows: of course there was not that cause of circumstances anterior to the flood, which exist subsequent; therefore the mode of things is changed in some degree and in some cases. If there was no rain before the flood, what is now denominated the Temperate Zones. must have then extended far into what is denominated the Frozen Zones; so that they would have been habitable both for men and animals; and the "Mammoth" could enjoy that region, seeing there would not be those storms of snow, which have chilled the air for ages. Again, it would appear that nature is altered in another respect, viz. The surface of the Earth. As though originally, the earth was like a crust on the surface, and the water in the centre; hence the propriety of the expression, "The fountains of the great deep were broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened;" which mode of expression would seem to imply that the water gushed out of their cavities; and an unusual quantity of vapor collecting above, descended as it were in torrents. Such a concussion must of necessity produce a great change at least in the face of nature. The earth must sink and fall in, in many places; while the surges must greatly affect others. The expression, "the waters assuaged," would seem to imply fomentation, going and coming, and must occasion currents. These ideas being admitted, it would follow that the Earth in a great measure would be left in the form and mode we now behold it. Turf boggs of vegetables, and the oyster shell, might be found on the top of dividing ridges and the highest mountains. The Temperate Zones must be circumscribed through the invasion of snowy chills. Also the Rainbow as another consequence would follow in the phenomena of Nature by virtue of the change. Thus Sacred History casts great LIGHT on the things of Nature in a Geographical point of view. In many parts of the world, and in almost every place where Rocks exist; we find them split asunder; the concave answering to the convex, as though they once had joined together. Here the question will arise, how came it so? Earthquakes could not do it. They may fling up rocks, but do not split them asunder. Then having reference to sacred history, we find them rent by the power of God when his Son Jesus gave up the Ghost. Thus the PROGRESS OF LIGHT. The progress of Light was suppressed in a Geographical point of view through prohibition of Liberty; man being forbidden to search for Truth or think for himself as it relates to facts; but must admit what another shall impose, however absurd and ridiculous and contrary to common sense! explored; the map was incomplete. But the deficiency in some measure, has been made up and corrected by the Americans, in Clark and Lewis. The Whale belonging to the cold regions, an American had sense enough for reflection, that, by parity of reason, they must exist in the same latitude of the South, as well as in the North: and in greater plenty, but not so wild; being strangers to the harpoon. The experiment answered his expectations; though the idea had been treated as wild and chimerical by others. The invention of the Steam-Boat began in America also. The man who admitted the Earth to be like a ball, must renounce his opinion, because From what has been exemplified in modern another that was in high Ecclesiastical and times, comparing the present with the past, Civil authority affirmed it to be like a table we may at least hazard a conjecture on the upon legs; and a recantation was necessary future-considering the state of the world, the to save his life; and all who in those dark nature of man, and what he ought to be-or ages of Feudal times admitted antipodes, were even would be, if he could. excommunicated the church. But at length the ambition of kings, through thirst for power and gold, encouraged the enterprising navigator to extend his utmost skill, in search of new countries; which soon outleaped the power of ignorance and superstition, and cast LIGHT upon their folly, and sent it down the hill, LIBERTY being obtained to think and improve in some degree, advancements were made in quick succession; though still improving. Before the invention of the compass, navigators kept creeping along the shores; and lest they should be driven to sea, out of sight of land, it was common to carry a cage One being let go, would soar aloft in quest of land; and if any were in sight would make for it; which gave direction which way to steer for land. of crows. When improvements were made, and the Spaniards sailed West for the Indies, the Portuguese could not solve the query, how it could be, their meeting there, when themselves had sailed East. III. POLITICALLY. THE world was like a commonwealth before the flood. There was "violence in the earth"-which would imply a seeking for the mastery; which principle being involved in "moral evil," brought on the curse of God; as exemplified by the flood. After the flood, the same ambitious principle arose, as exemplified in Nimrod, who laid the foundation for oppression in the kingdom of "Babel," afterwards called "Babylon." But the subject met Jehovah's disapprobationhence the confusion of tongues-and the origin of different nations, of different dialects, by the dispersion therefrom. The Philistines were an aristocracy; being governed by "five lords:" afterwards a monarchy prevailed. The Hebrews were governed by a theocracy, founded in democracy, instituted by the Lord himself. But at length they resisted his government, and must ape the other nations round about so gave up their LIBERTY and FREEDOM for a king; which God gave them in his anger, and took away in his wrath! After the third reign they began to degenerate; ten tribes were dispersed first-afterwards the others. Navigation being improved, the trade was monopolized and claimed as a prerogative; under the idea that power constituted right. First by the Lydians, Pelasgians, Thracians, Rhodians, Phrygians, Cyprians, Phynicians, Egyptians, Milesians, Corians, Lesbians, Phonicians, and then the Romans. When their power was broken, things went dark and degenerated, until Venice sprang up, and Genoa; after which the Portugese, and then Spain; after them the Dutch, and then by Britain. National abuses must be corrected or punPerhaps it is reserved for America to demon-ished nationally. And as there will be no strate that trade is reciprocal, and the ocean human dynasties in the world to come: this the common highway for each and all; and evil must be remedied here of course, seeing thereby the affairs of nations and of mankind, it cannot be done hereafter-but mankind will shall be regulated, agreeably to natural justice then be judged as individuals only. and the relation and fitness of things. The wilderness of the West remained un The subject thus viewed, will justify the ways of God to man, in the dispersion of the |