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النشر الإلكتروني

CREATION, NO. V.

wander at large. But, no; the edifice, although founded on ether, is stable in all its parts; and to this day remains as at the beginning.

The second planet in the system has for ages been denominated Venus; and it is the only primary orb which, from high antiquity, received a female name. Perhaps the beautiful appearance of this evening and morning star induced the ancient sages to crown it with a female appellation, as the most lovely of the heavenly train. This planet is nearly seven thousand seven hundred miles in diameter; it revolves round its own axis, from west to east, in nearly the same time as the earth; and it moves in the same direction, in an elliptic orbit, round the sun in somewhat less than two hundred and twenty-five of our days. The mean distance of Venus from the sun is about sixtynine millions of miles.

Mercury and Venus are the only planets which move in orbits between the earth and the sun. To us, therefore, they form a contrast with those planets whose orbits are more distant from the sun than ourselves; affording together a rich variety, and, when the whole are contemplated in their vast ness, presenting scenes of sublimity which none but the heavenly orbs can furnish to mankind. These two planets, now behind the central orb and now beside it, anon passing over its face, and presently on the other side, not together, but in swifter and in slower motions, as the orbit of the one exceeds the orbit of the other in its circumference, separately, yet jointly, form the quick time of that mystic dance composed by all the orbs which move in measured mazes, one unison to music of ethereal compound," the music of the spheres."

The next planet which claims our notice is the Earth; so called by Elohim and by us, because it is our terrestrial-the terra firma of our abode: yet firm as we experience it, and stable, like the other planets, it moves, unknowing rest. The Earth is nearly eight thousand miles in diameter; it revolves round its own axis, from west to east, in somewhat less than twenty-four hours; and it moves in the same direction, in an elliptic orbit, round the sun in three hundred and sixty-five days and about six hours. The mean distance of the Earth from the sun is more than ninety-five millions of miles.

With the Earth begins that variety of orbs which we term secondary, viz., a planet revolving in an orbit round a planet, and these two in one orbit round the sun. The secondary planet which revolves round the Earth we call the Moon; its diameter is

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about two thousand one hundred and eighty miles; it revolves round its own axis in twenty-nine days and nearly thirteen hours, and round the Earth in the same time; hence the same face is always towards the earth. The mean distance of the moon from the earth is two hundred and forty thousand miles, and its mean distance from the sun, seeing the earth is nearly in the centre of its orbit, may be deemed the same as that of the earth.

The

The moon

Here we behold the first example of complex motion in the solar system. The motions of the two planets, Venus and Mercury, already noted, are simple-they individually move round their own axis and round the sun, in elliptic orbits, without impediments; while the earth, revolving on its axis, carries round the sun a large orb, distant from its centre two hundred and forty thousand miles, which moves round it about thirteen times every year, and round its own axis nearly the same number of times. centre of gravity in Mercury and Venus is within and near the centres of these planets, but the centre of gravity, amidst this complex motion, is neither in the earth nor in the moon; but lies between these two orbs, at that point where the relative weight of each is in perfect equipoise. being smaller, and of course lighter, than the earth, the centre of gravity is considerably nearer to the earth than to the moon. In the progression of these two spheres round the sun, the earth being accelerated and retarded in its progress by the ceaseless changes in the position of the moon, which is then on that side and now on this, in its incessant revolutions round the primary sphere, is acted upon in contrary directions, and considerable eccentricity is induced in the progression of the earth throughout its orbit. Yet here we behold the laws of creation operate upon the universe with as much regularity as amidst the simple motions of the former planets; for the earth fulfils its appointed task, complicated as it is, with a precision similar to Venus and Mercury. Superior to all that is adverse or inert in matter, by His manifold wisdom, the Great Creator, in rich variety of modes and forms, erected the universe; and the wisdom of every age, in the experience of its working together in all its parts, confirms the omniscience and omni. potence which created and formed the whole.

In our notices of the planets, we have hitherto progressed from smaller to larger spheres, but the time is come when we must retrograde, for the orb next in succession is smaller than either Venus or the Earth. This planet is called Mars; which name it

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distance of Mars from the sun is more than one hundred and forty-five millions of miles.

The planets Mercury and Venus, whose orbits are within that of the earth, are called, by astronomers, inferior; while those planets whose orbits are without that of the earth, are called, superior : Mars is, therefore, the first in the order of superior planets, his orbit being next in succession to the earth from the sun. This distinction arises out of the circumstance of all the astronomers, whose works have reached us, being situate upon the earth. If an astronomer situated in Mercury had noticed this circumstance, all the other planets would have been denominated superior, because they are all more distant from the sun than Mercury; and if an astronomer situated in the Georgium Sidus had noticed it, all the other planets would have been denominated inferior, because are all included in its orbit; and so on of

the rest.

In. our progression from the sun, we now arrive at a group of spheres, which, although they are severally primary planets, are diminutive, compared with any other in the system; indeed, so disproportionate are they from all the rest, that they excite peculiar interest in the contemplative mind. Owing to their distance when in certain portions of their orbits, and their minute size, the ancients seem to have overlooked these planets altogether, seeing we have no notices of their existence which bear an earlier date than the present century; for it was in the year 1801 when the first of these was discovered. These planets have been named Ceres, Pallas, Juno, and Vesta; their orbits lie between Mars and Jupiter, from two hundred and fifty to three hundred millions of miles in distance from the sun; and their diameters are severally from about one hundred and ten to about one hundred and sixty miles, while their distances each from each are about fifteen millions of miles; whereas the nearest of the other primary planets, viz. Venus and the Earth, are upwards of twenty-six millions of miles apart.

Launched into ether, these minute orbs have survived the rush of ages equally with

the larger spheres; yet do they seem to us sprung up yesterday, so completely have they for ages been hidden from us. More of the Great Creator's works yet may lie concealed, which, when they are discovered, will yield to us, or to succeeding ages, like wonder and admiration; and, with the psalmist, we or they may say, "When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers; the moon and the stars, which Thou hast ordained; What is man, that Thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that Thou visitest him? O Lord our Lord, how excellent is Thy name in all the earth!" WM. COLDWELL.

King Square, May 25, 1831.

ANNIVERSARIES OF BENEVOLENT INSTI-
TUTIONS IN THE METROPOLIS.
(Resumed from page 279, and concluded.)
BRITISH AND FOREIGN SCHOOL SOCIETY.

THE annual meeting of this institution was held at Exeter Hall, on Monday, May 9th, W. Allen, Esq. in the chair.

It was numerously attended, and happily exempted from that turbulence and commotion which, at some other anniversaries, a few intolerant and restless spirits excited.

Among the numbers who attended, it is not improbable that many were allured thither from an expectation that Lord John Russell would preside. His engagements, however, occasioned by the election, rendered this impracticable, and an apology for his absence was candidly and peaceably received.

The report stated, that his Majesty William IV. had condescended to become the patron of the society, and had engaged to subscribe one hundred pounds annually towards its support. On a general survey which the report took of the various schools standing on this broad foundation, the accounts were pleasing and satisfactory. To children, both at home and abroad, it had extended its operation; and that its labours in foreign parts were not unnecessary, the following fact will most forcibly prove. It has been extracted from the memoirs of the pious and Rev. John Frederic Oberlin, minister of a mountainous canton in the north-east of France; and perhaps parallel cases may be found in many villages much nearer home.

، When Stouber, the predecessor of Oberlin, first went to the Ban-de-la-Roche, he began by inquiring into the manner of education there. Asking for the principal school, he was conducted to a miserable hovel, where there were a number of children crowded together without any occupation, and in so wild and noisy a state, that it was with some

ANNIVERSARY MEETINGS.

difficulty he could get a reply to his inquiries for the master. There he is, said one of them, as soon as silence could be obtained, pointing to a withered old man who lay on a little bed in one corner of the apartment. Are you the schoolmaster, my good friend, inquired Stouber? Yes, sir. And what do you teach the children? Nothing, sir. Nothing! how is that? Because, replied the old man with characteristic simplicity, I know nothing myself. Why then were you instituted schoolmaster? Why, sir, I had been taking care of the Waldbach pigs for a great number of years, and when I got too old and infirm for that employment, they sent me here to take care of the children."

The receipts during the year amounted to £3,222, and the expenditure to £2,829; leaving a balance of £393 in the Treasurer's hands.

This meeting was addressed by the venerable Rowland Hill, Dr. Lushington. Rev. G. Clayton, J. Briscoe, Esq. M. P., James Montgomery, Esq., Rev. M. Marsh, Rev. John Burnett, Mr. Blanchard, of Nova Scotia, and Peter Jones, the Indian Chief.

PORT OF LONDON AND BETHEL UNION SOCIETY.

The anniversary of this society was held at the city of London Tavern, on Monday, May 9th, Lord Mountsandford in the chair. The design of this society is, to furnish places of worship for seamen, and means of moral and religious instruction for the children of those whose chief occupation is on the water. The names of places thus established, and the means provided, were given in detail; and from every quarter the

accounts were of a most pleasing character. Towards the support of this benevolent institution, the East India Company had, during the year, contributed £50, in addition to £200 granted on former occasions.

LONDON ITINERANT SOCIETY.

The thirty-fourth anniversary of this society was held in Finsbury Chapel, on Monday, May 9th, the Rev. Dr. Collyer in the chair. The primary object of this society has been, and still is, to send the gospel into places on which the light has not yet shined. Of these a long catalogue appears in the report; yet we cannot but infer from its statements, that the labours of thirty-four years have been crowned with many blessings. Much, however, still remains to be done. New generations will arise needing the instructions which their predecessors received; so that the friends of benevolence are in no

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danger of wanting employment. Several able speakers advocated the cause of this society; and the condition of multitudes in the immediate vicinity of the motropolis, pleaded strongly in its behalf.

IRISH EVANGELICAL SOCIETY.

On the evening of Tuesday, May 10th, the anniversary of this society was held in Finsbury Chapel, T. Walker, Esq. in the chair. The object of this society is, to spread evangelical religion among the inhabitants of Ireland. This is a praiseworthy undertaking, and we regret to find that the term evangelical should ever be used in any other sense than to convey to the mind the great and fundamental doctrines of the gospel. No peculiarities of creed, or dogmas of party, should take shelter under general terms.

The cash account stated, that the receipts through the year amounted to £3,746, and the disbursements to £3,759, thus leaving a small balance due to the treasurer.

The interests of this society were ably advocated by the Rev. Mr. Roberts, Rev. Dr. Morison, Rev. J. Clayton, A. M., Rev. J. Adkins, Rev. J. Blackburn, Rev. J. Burnett, and others. In this meeting the utmost bled, though not large, was highly respectharmony prevailed. The company assemable, and all appeared to be impressed with the occasion of their meeting together.

SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION.

held on the morning of May 10th, at the The annual meeting of this society was City of London Tavern, and, as usual, though at the early hour of six, the large room was crowded to excess. L. Foster, Esq. Jun. was called to the chair. This, in general, is one of the most interesting anniversaries held in the metropolis.

The report embraced a variety of matter, and stated, with brevity, but clearness, the operations of the society, and the objects to which its funds have been applied. Books, children, schools, teachers, both at home and abroad, entered into its multifarious details. The Rev. Dr. Cox, Mr. W. R. Gurney, James Montgomery, Esq., Rev. J. Blackburn, Mr. Wilson, Sunday-school missionary, Rev. Isaac Mann, A. M., Mr. W. Jones, Rev. H. Rook, Rev. R. Alder, Peter Jones, and Mr. Maitland, severally addressed the meeting in speeches that were both animated and appropriate. To give these at large, our pages will not allow us room; to make selections, would appear invidious, and extracts would only mutilate

what they might be intended to represent. For these we must refer our readers to "The World," and to "The Christian Advocate," two papers which have recorded at large, and with much fidelity, the annual proceedings of these benevolent institutions.

ECCLESIASTICAL KNOWLEDGE SOCIETY.

At this anniversary, T. Wilson, Esq. took the chair. The basis on which this institution is founded bears no resemblance to that of a pyramid, and perhaps it will badly weather so many storms as the pyramids of Egypt have already done. Its aim appears to be, to promote dissenterism; and in some of the speeches delivered, its hostility to national church establishments, no attempt was made to conceal. The union between church and state was deprecated in no measured language; and the spirit manifested on the occasion, though calling forth momentary applause, will confer no lasting honour on the speakers. The knowledge to be imparted is, that establishments, and union between church and state, are palpably wrong, and that to dissent from all such antichristian institutions and associations is both praiseworthy and incumbent on every friend to Bible christianity. If the language used on this occasion against the offices of the establishment, had, among the clergy, been poured forth against the dissenters at large, the cry of persecution and intolerance would have resounded throughout the land.

LONDON MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

According to previous appointment, the anniversary of this powerful agent for the diffusion of christianity throughout the world, took place at Exeter Hall, on Thursday, May 12th, W. A. Hankey, Esq. in the chair. On this memorable occasion, the company was so overwhelming, that vast numbers, for want of room, were obliged to retire into another apartment, where an epitome of the report was again read, and the people were addressed by many of the speakers. The appearance of the dense and highly respectable assembly was grand and imposing to the last degree.

The report stated that the receipts during the year amounted £40,800 and the disbursements to £38,200. It appears, however, that the regular receipts had fallen short of those of the preceding year, but that this had been compensated by legacies amounting in the aggregate to £5,000; but on these contigencies no reliance could be placed for permanent supplies.

The Rev. W. Ellis, author of Polynesian Researches, who had, during many years, been a missionary in the South Seas, was first called on to address the meeting, in consequence of a slanderous publication by a foreigner, that had found its way into circulation, and had imputed to the missionaries in these distant regions unworthy motives, and charged their labours with being injurious to the natives whom they had endeavoured to instruct. To meet and investigate these accusations, no one present was so competent as Mr. Ellis; and the readiness and ability with which he undertook the the cause, could hardly fail to give satisfaction to all present.

Among other things, Mr. Ellis observed, "that it was to two ports chiefly that the statement referred, and in these no missionary is stationed. They have also been visited by persons who, to their shame, had endeavoured to introduce the most demoralizing practices, and who had made their boast, that from one vessel a thousand dollars had been devoted to the purpose of spreading vice and misery. Instead of carrying out various articles of British commerce, or implements of agriculture, by which the natives might be benefited, they carried out large quantities of ardent spirits, which they offered at a very low price, and even hawked about from door to door, well knowing this to be one of the most effectual means of counteracting the efforts of the missionaries."

In addition to these demoralizing traders, many convicts, having escaped from Botany Bay, had taken up their abode among the islanders, and imported those vices for which they had been expelled from their native land. Deserters also, from many ships, had found means to secrete themselves among the inhabitants; and all evinced, by their conduct, that they were enemies to the cross of Christ. These, and similar causes, furnished a foundation for the evil report which its author had associated with the exertions of the missionaries, whose aim had invariably been to root out the vices which others were attempting to plant and cultivate. Against such dishonourable misrepresentations no character can be safe, no efforts can furnish protection. Mr. Ellis furthermore observed, that these injudicious mis-statements would be speedily met through the medium of the press; and we know that such a publication, already in a great state of forwardness, will very shortly appear, to vindicate the missionaries and their labours from the foul aspersions that have been cast upon them.

The substance of another speech, deli

ANNIVERSARY MEETINGS.

vered by Peter Jones, the Indian Chief, is so marked by simplicity, piety, and singularity, that we have no doubt our readers will be pleased with its insertion. This chief appeared on the platform in the costume of his nation. His dress was therefore an object of general observation, and the occasion of much inquiry; but the intensity of feeling and attention which was excited, no language can adequately describe, when, on being called on, he arose, and addressed the assembly in nearly the following words:

"Fathers, brothers, and sisters,-The Great Spirit, who now looks down upon us, has brought us together to meet this day in this house. He who has put it into our hearts to come thus together, has sent his Spirit into our hearts and into my heart this day, and has made us rejoice in thus meeting together. I am a poor Indian, from North America, from the province of Upper Canada, and I am come to you, fathers, brethren, and sisters, for the purpose of telling you what the Great Spirit has done, and is still doing for us, and to tell you of what is in our hearts to perform, and of our want of help to carry forward the great work of our heavenly Father among us. You have all heard, ever since you were born, of the province of Upper Canada, for many of your children, of your sons and daughters, come and settle down among us in that part of the world.

"A great while ago we saw no white people, we were not at all acquainted with them, but roved by ourselves in the wilderness: we lived by hunting and by fishing; we caught the deer, the bear, and the beaver, and by these animals we ourselves subsisted, and our children. But a great many years ago, while we were sitting in our wigwams, your forefathers came and stretched out their hands to shake hands with us, and our forefathers shook hands with them. Your forefathers then made known their desire to sit down by our sides, and they said that they wished to have a little of our land, so we moved a little away from them, and gave them room; and after that we moved a little further; and since then we have lived on very good terms and in good friendship with them. But let me tell you, fathers, brethren, and sisters, of some things which have transpired since your fathers came among us. Before that time, we had no idea of the fire-waters, or what you call whiskey; this we were strangers to, but some of your wicked forefathers brought them among us. And what has been the consequence? Fathers, brethren, and sisters, it has been wasting and killing us one after another, and now there are left but a hand

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ful of us, to weep over the bones and the graves of our fathers, and to be sorry in our hearts. But I say not this to reproach you; for I think that it was some of your white heathens who brought that to us.

us.

"About eight years ago, while the handful of us that were left were weeping over our fathers' graves, we began to hear of Jesus Christ. Missionaries came to us, to point out to us the way of life: they told us that we had very wicked hearts, and that we must repent of our sins; they told us that the Great Spirit had sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins; to die for us poor Indians, as well as for white men; and they told us that he would have mercy upon Many of us attended to their words, and we called upon God, and he heard our prayers, and made our hearts very glad. And now we worship God in the spirit, as you do. Every day, morning, noon, and night, we bow the knee as you do, and talk to our Father in heaven, and he hears our cry, and gives us those things which make our hearts very glad. We have now ten or eleven missionary stations under the charge of the Methodist society, and three or four under the charge of the church of England, in Upper Canada; and the work of the Lord is going on very rapidly among us. We might extend our labours much more widely, if we had the means; but because we are not able to establish missions and schools enough, we are very much tied in our hands, so that we cannot help our Indian brothers and sisters, who are destitute of the knowledge of Christ.

"We have fifteen schools, where our Indian children are taught to read in English, and many of the boys and girls begin to put talk on paper, and send it to one another. I am very glad to see you, and to hear what you are doing in sending the gospel to the ends of the earth. I heartily wish you success: I pray God to own and bless your efforts in so good a cause. I am glad to be present at your meetings; that I may be able, when I go back to my people, to tell them what I have seen and heard in this great city, and what is coming out of your hearts from time to time in this place. I am glad to know that God is no respecter of persons, but that he is merciful to all, and that he has provided this good religion for all-for the poor Indian as well as for the white people. I find, since I came to this place, that the same happiness which they have in their hearts, the same is in the hearts of the Indians, and all rejoice in the same God through the same Spirit. I find that we are all walking in the same road to heaven, and I hope that we shall meet

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