Asserts the beauty and wonder of the heavens; observes that 'the increase of
knowledge we now possess, raises our astonishment still higher' (52). Describes
the number, size, distance, motion, and changes of the stars. Observes of the
disappearance of old and the appearance of new stars: 'We allow that all the
works of God are perfect; and they are so, till they have answered the purposes
to which they were destined, though they may then fall into ruin and be
dissolved' (53). Refers to the constancy of the astronomical constellations:
'The earth is constantly changing. [...] But the heavens shew us the same
aspect, teaching us the power and immutability of the throne of the Eternal'.
Quotes from
Young'sYoung, Edward
(1683–1765)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>Night ThoughtsYoung, Edward
1742. The Complaint; or, Night-Thoughts on Life, Death &
Immortality, London: R. Dodsley
CloseView the register entry >>: 'The
Stars / Are elder Scripture writ by God's own hand— / Scripture,
uncorrupt by man'. Observes that this has more than poetic truth, and reports
Thomas
Maurice'sMaurice, Thomas
(1754–1824)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> view that 'the whole of the southern constellations are a
commentary on the books of Moses and decidedly prove their truth'. (54) Reports
that
James
MontgomeryMontgomery, James
(1771–1854)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> also alludes in his poetry to the physical representation
of divine themes in the astronomical constellations. Considers, however, that
this 'Scripture' was not 'uncorrupt by man', observing that the mythology of
the Greeks arose out of it by error, since they 'could not by natural wisdom
rise to any just conception of diving things'. Argues that the views adopted
here of the heavenly bodies 'as the work of the Almighty, expand the powers of
the mind' and give 'enlarged views' of God. Argues that they also humble human
pride. Asserts: 'If we would enjoy the works of God aright, we must be brought
into that temper of mind inculcated by the gospel'. An editorial footnote
relates: 'On so interesting a subject we have taken the liberty to add to our
correspondent's [i.e. R S's] communication'. (55)
The narrator records that on her eighteenth birthday she resolved to use her
new-found liberty 'for the benefit of others, as well as for self-improvement'
(56). She accordingly drew up a plan of her employments, which, after dressing,
reading the Bible, and praying, involved, from 7 to 8am, reading 'some
improving book, such as
Butler'sButler, Joseph
(1692–1752)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>AnalogyButler, Joseph
1736. The Analogy of Religion, Natural and Revealed, to the Constitution and
Course of Nature: To Which are Added Two Brief Dissertations; I. Of Personal
Identity. II. Of the Nature of Virtue, London: James, John and Paul
Knapton
CloseView the register entry >>, or
Paley'sPaley, William
(1743–1805)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>Natural TheologyPaley, William
1802. Natural Theology; or, Evidences of the Existence and Attributes of the
Deity: Collected from the Appearances of Nature, [London]: R.
Faulder
CloseView the register entry >>'. However, she
very soon found that she could not keep to her plan. The trouble started when,
one morning, instead of reading Butler's Analogy, she 'unfortunately got hold
of a new volume of Travels in America', in which she became engrossed until she
finished it. (57)
The little girl asks her brother about the purpose of the stars, moon, and
Milky Way. He advises her that some think each star a sun with circling
planets, that the moon may be inhabited, and that the Milky Way comprises 'A
thousand rolling worlds' which may also be inhabited. He continues: 'But when,
my dear, you're older grown, / And are those brilliant systems shown, / How
will it kindle your surprise, / To learn the wonders of the skies!'. He asserts
that the knowledge will prompt her to worship God.
Gives a brief description of this rock formation, and an extracted
geological explanation. Concludes by contrasting the mutability of nature with
the immutability of divine truth. Observes that the 'visible heaven and earth,
are, from actual observation, "passing away". Stars have disappeared, and the
mutability of our own planet is notorious'. Quotes the observations of Job, the
'wisest and most ancient of geologists', on this point. (74)
Pious Robert Barham's father gives him a Bible for his fourteenth birthday.
Robert asks his father to detail for him the proofs of its divine origin. Among
other proofs, his father observes that the 'Holy Scriptures reveal those things
which no human writings could have developed, such as the origin of the
universe' and 'the destruction of the old world', and that the 'principal facts
therein stated, have been confirmed', for instance 'by the discovery of various
antediluvian remains' (83). He reports that the 'truly wise and good' have
always venerated the Bible, observing: 'The
Hon. Robert BoyleBoyle, Hon Robert
(1627–91)
DSB
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>
calls it "a matchless volume, that cannot be studied too much, or esteemed too
highly" (84).
The narrator likes to see young people 'like the Bee, not only busy and
economical of time, but gathering up honey and fragrance for others'. Observes
that 'a child with habits of observation in early life, may become a
philosopher when a man'. Does not 'wish to make philosophers of our readers',
but wishes to 'make them pious and intelligent young persons'. For this reason
gives an account of a young lady who, as a twelve-year old girl, made the grand
tour, and brought back 'a little Herbal, or Hortus Siccus of her own
formation', produced by dint of careful observation and 'persevering industry'.
(91) Describes its contents, which are arranged according to her itinerary.
Relates that its author 'does not understand a single term' of botany 'and
perhaps never opened a book upon the subject; though she might have been a
companion in the walks at home of friends who did understand it'. The work is
the product of observation and industry. Reflects that the Christian ought
similarly to collect instances of divine providence, and 'walking up and down
the paradise of the Scriptures, gather the blossoms and clusters of the
promises—the fruits of knowledge', storing them up in a book to help
others or him or herself in times of trouble.
Reflects that there is a very prevalent notion 'that no sights are to be
seen without paying for them'. If the writer had children it would be a
condition with them, 'that unless they saw all that might be seen without
paying for, they should see few or none of those wonderful things which are
exhibited in almost every street of the great metropolis'. Considers that 'an
hour or two occasionally devoted to natural history [...] will oftentimes yield
us more amusement and instruction, than the same portion of time loitered away
at any of our London sights'. (131) The writer—obviously the
editor— refers to the observational powers of the author of the following
article (W B, 'Instinct of Birds', Youth's Magazine, 3rd ser. 7 (1834), 132–33).
While the honest labourer rests, the 'waking sage' continues to study under
Plato'sPlato
(428–348/7 BC)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> bust. At length he gets
up and paces the room, musing on the fruitlessness of his manifold studies,
which include studying nature 'in her various forms, / Adorn'd with beauty, or
convulsed with storms', and surveying the skies with 'astronomic tube'. (141)
He feels an 'aching void' within his breast, and turns to his dusty Bible. He
cries out: 'I've wander'd far / From thee, O Lord, to follow reason's star',
and commits himself to divine service. (142)
The poem begins with a text quoted from
Montgomery ed. 1831Montgomery,
James, ed. 1831. Journal of Voyages and Travels by theRev. Daniel Tyerman and
George Bennet, esq.:
Deputed from the London
Missionary Society, to Visit their Various Stations in the
South Sea Islands, China, India, &c., Between the Years 1821 and 1829,
2 vols, London: Frederick Westley and A. H. Davis
CloseView the register entry >>
concerning constellations of the southern hemisphere. The poem itself provides
a meditation on the subject as if written by the narrators of the travelogue.
In everything they see, the narrators 'read the universal law / That "God is
good," engraven there'. 'The many forms which nature knows, / Are varied round
this earthly ball; / But he, the God whence nature flows, / Is every where
upholding all'. (143) The sight of the 'southern cross' and the 'northern
crown' leads to pious thoughts.
Observes that the 'cultivation of a garden is an almost endless source of
amusement and instruction', and that '[e]ven the kitchen garden has charms'.
Comments on the number of improvements that have been effected in 'the
character of our vegetables', and on the introduction of new ones. (172)
Remarks on the 'contrivances' of bees in obtaining honey. Relates the aversion
of Pythagoras CloseView the register entry >> and other ancients to beans:
'Such is the sublime philosophy, which sceptics have presumed to put in
competition with the oracles of truth' . (173) Concludes by relating some
biblical allusions to the practices of horticulture.
The letter begins with an extract from the
Gentleman's MagazineGentleman's Magazine
(1731–1900+)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >> for March
1834 which disputes accounts of toads found alive encased in trees or stone on
the basis that 'there never was a well authenticated instance of such
discoveries'. The extract relies on the failure of
Joseph BanksBanks, Sir Joseph
(1743–1820)
DSB
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>, 'a
most accurate, curious, and investigating naturalist', to trace such a
tradition to a credible authority. (174) The letter-writer describes her
childhood experience of a toad found alive in a block of limestone. A lengthy
editorial afterword questions why a fact 'so notorious' as the occurrence of
toads in rocks or trees 'should have been questioned simply on the grounds that
it had not been personally witnessed by the eminent naturalist mentioned'. The
editor introduces 'the testimony of an equally accurate, curious, and
investigating naturalist',
John RayRay, John
(1627–1705)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>, who disputed such
occurrences in his
Wisdom of GodRay, John 1691. The
Wisdom of God Manifested in the Works of the Creation: Being the Substance of
some Common Places Delivered in the Chappel of Trinity-College, in
Cambridge, London: Samuel Smith
CloseView the register entry >>, but later
accepted accredited accounts of them in the same book. (175) The narrator
relates from personal experience an account of an insect which was dislodged
alive 'from the centre of a mass of border-stone' in a quarry (176).
Youth's Magazine, 3rd ser. 7 (1834), 176–78.
Prophecies Fulfilled.—No. I. The Triumphs of the Gospel
The writer seeks to demonstrate the fulfilment of the prophecy in Dan. 2.
44, that 'The God of heaven shall set up a kingdom which shall never be
destroyed: and the kingdom [...] shall break in pieces and consume all
kingdoms' (176). Quotes from
Edward Gibbon'sGibbon, Edward
(1737–94)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>Decline and Fall of
the Roman EmpireGibbon,
Edward 1776–88. The History of the Decline and Fall of the
Roman Empire, 6 vols, London: W. Strahan and T Cadell
CloseView the register entry >> the assertion that the Christian nations of Europe
are 'the most distinguished portion of human kind in arts and learning, as well
as in arms' and that, by dint of their 'industry and zeal' Christianity 'has
been widely diffused to the most distant shores of Asia and Africa'
(177–78).
Henderson 1818Henderson,
Ebenezer 1818. Iceland; or, The Journal of a Residence in that
Island, During the Years 1814 and 1815. Containing Observations on the Natural
Phenomena, History, Literature, and Antiquities of the Island; and the
Religion, Character, Manners, and Customs of its Inhabitants. With an
Introduction and Appendix, 2 vols, Edinburgh: Oliphant, Waugh and Innes;
London: T. Hamilton [and 2 others]
CloseView the register entry >>
Relevant illustrations:
wdct.
Subjects:
Geology
Describes and depicts the cliffs, which mostly consist of 'basalitform lava'
(181).
Warns readers that there is 'a species of science, "falsely so
called"', and quotes from Col. 2. 28: 'Beware lest any man spoil you through
philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of
the world, and not after Christ'. Notes that this is 'especially the case with
regard to Geological researches', in which human tradition is often preferred
to biblical testimony. Argues that the Holy Spirit, knowing the 'mere
curiosity' of mankind, did not, in dictating the scriptures, impose 'any
unnecessary restrictions upon his imagination, or those higher faculties of the
mind which bespeak his immortality'. (193) Allows that 'the Bible was not
intended to teach philosophy', but argues that many who 'sincerely love the
truth [...] allow its testimony in matters of mere human science to be set
aside without mature consideration, as if they were not even called upon to
vindicate its declarations from the sceptic and the infidel' (193–94).
Describes the spurning of the Bible by some infidels on astronomical grounds,
since it 'appears to contemplate only the well-being of one of the least
planets'. Argues that the Bible asserts a plurality of worlds. Reports that the
geologist 'loves to quarrel' with biblical chronology. (194) Allows for a long
earth history, arguing that Moses seems 'to refer to two distinct periods in
his cosmogony'. Relates that
John F W
HerschelHerschel, Sir John Frederick William
(1792–1871)
DSB
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> supposes that the galaxy of which earth is a part 'bears
evident traces of a more recent origin than its surrounding spheres of light',
concluding: 'but far be it from us to regard the testimony of the greatest
among philosophers, as of much value'. (195) Draws on 2 Pet. 3. 5 to argue that
the 'idea of a successive series of worlds' is not inconsistent with scripture
(196). Observes that the principle of consistency underlies
Granville
Penn'sPenn, Granville
(1761–1844)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >> views, while noting that there are many 'facts and details'
in geology and astronomy that 'cannot be satisfactorily accounted for'
(196–97). Draws on further scriptural quotations 'as evidence that our
world has been wrecked, and restored by processes abundantly sufficient to
explain all the geological records which are closeted within it' (197).
Discusses the origin of fossil remains, observing (in reference to a letter
quoted from the Christian ObserverChristian Observer
(1802–77)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >>) that those
which are unlike living species are not to be accounted for by the flood. Makes
these comments in the context of a letter from 'W H
BBensted, W H
(fl. 1834)
Swinton 1951 CloseView the register entry >>' (i.e. W H Bensted), quoted in full, reporting his discovery of
the remains of a large vertebrate at a quarry in Maidstone, which the editor
reports has 'already excited considerable interest among geologists' (199). The
writer has visited the spot, and considers the remains those of a saurian. He
and Bensted have attempted to find similar specimens in Andrew Ure'sUre, Andrew
(1778–1857)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>New System of GeologyUre, Andrew 1829.
A New System of Geology: In which the Great Revolutions of the Earth and
Animated Nature are Reconciled at Once to Modern Science and Sacred
History, London: Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown and Green
CloseView the register entry >> and a work by
Gideon
MantellMantell, Gideon Algernon
(1790–1852)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> respectively, and the writer considers it to be a Megalosaurus.
One June morning, Mrs Harcourt and her daughter Maria are busy arranging
plants and flowers in the garden. They are interrupted by a visit from Miss
Henley, who explains the long period since her last visit by observing: 'I have
been reading some of the excellent
Bridgewater
TreatisesChalmers,
Thomas et al. 1833–36. The Bridgewater Treatises on the
Power, Wisdom and Goodness of God as Manifested in the Creation, 12 vols,
London: William Pickering
CloseView the register entry >> which are now exciting so much interest; and as Mamma says I
must not neglect any domestic duty, even for the improvement of my mind, my
time has been fully occupied'. She is admires their flowers, and Mrs. Harcourt
remarks: 'All nature seems to rejoice in her Maker's works; may we be excited
to elevate our hearts, from "Nature, up to Nature's God!"'. (229) Miss Henley
makes several quotations on the subject of the divine care taken in the
production of even the smallest flowers. After her departure, Maria is found to
be envious of Miss Henley, complaining that 'there is too much of display about
her', and is corrected by her mother (230).
Human Species, Education, Progress, Physiognomy, Race, Ethnology,
Christianity, Piety, Theology of Nature
Reports that Caspar Hauser was kept in confinement until around seventeen or
eighteen years old, at which age 'he had a brutish cast of countenance'.
However, 'the formation of his face altered in a few months almost entirely
[...] the prominent lower features of his face receded more and more, and his
earlier physiognomy could scarcely any longer be recognized'. The narrator
considers this evidence of the 'humanizing effect' of instruction to be
important, especially as it has been questioned. It is particularly important
since some have disputed that the 'Hottentot and the Indian' are of one 'race'
with Europeans, despite the declarations of the scriptures. Observes of former
black slaves: 'Let us see if civilization, and the light of the glorious
gospel, will not contribute to the external improvement of these
despised and persecuted children'. (232) When given any natural object, Caspar
always enquired who made it: 'He could never hear enough of the wisdom, power,
and goodness of the God who created heaven and earth'. He was particularly
affected by seeing the 'starry heavens' for the first time: 'when he saw only
so much of the Divine glory as the heavens can make known, he acknowledged with
tears in his eyes, that the name of the Lord was excellent indeed'.
(233)
Three extracts concern 'The superiority of the right hand', 'The thumb', and
'The fingers'. The author observes in an afterword: 'The wisdom of God is so
wonderfully displayed in the formation of every part of the human body, that it
is impossible for the mind to survey it without acknowledging God as its
author. Quotes
John Ray'sRay, John
(1627–1705)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> observation that
'A hand, with reason to use it' supplies the want of all the more specialized
weapons of other animals.
Avers that one of the foremost associations suggested by flowers 'is the
assurance they afford of the exuberant goodness of God'. Suggests that they are
designed as a superadded pleasure beyond the necessities of life. Considers
them a reminder of 'the superintending providence of the Almighty'. (282) Where
the vastness of the heavens gives a sense of human littleness, the design of
flowers gives a compensating sense of divine care.
As the narrator walked out one summer evening with a friend, their attention
was arrested by very many 'natural objects' which excited their admiration and
gratitude (302). There was 'nothing of "the vast"' around them, but even in the
most minute they traced '"the unambiguous footsteps of a God"' as they
'witnessed the multiplied evidences of a kind and protecting Providence in the
economy of the least of those living atoms that peopled the sunbeams'
(302–03). They observed an egg containing 'a worm', and a similar, though
larger, worm 'suddenly transformed to an elegant little moth', and both
declared that they 'never knew before that such was the history of the
Ephemeræ' (302). They drew an analogy between the transformation and
human resurrection. They imagined the conversation of the moths, and considered
that they, too, deify knowledge and from limited experience draw conclusions on
matters 'vastly too high for them' (303). They considered that it was humans
alone, however, who seek to impugn God himself on the basis of limited
knowledge. Their further reflections on the moths concerned the ephemeral
nature of human life.
Describes the banana as the staple diet of Mexico. Discusses whether or not
it was introduced in America. Describes its cultivation and its enormous
productivity. Concludes with remarks on divine providence, and a meditation on
the parallels between the rapid growth and abundance of fruit in the banana and
in the Christian gospel.
The writer links the willow to several biblical themes observing that
'[e]very production of nature alluded to in the Bible seems at once invested
with a sacred character, and possesses an indescribable interest' (334). The
botanical account of the willow is brief.
Youth's Magazine, 3rd ser. 7 (1834), 353.
Sting of the Bee
Anon
Genre:
Instructions
Subjects:
Medical Treatment, Chemistry
Advises the use of 'common whitening' for the treatment of bee stings.
The extracted poem was prompted by the republication in the
Saturday
MagazineSaturday Magazine
(1832–54)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >>, 4: 72, of a poem, possibly by
William RoscoeRoscoe, William
(1753–1831)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>,
entitled an 'Address to an Egyptian Mummy'. A footnote records that the
original poem, which made many curious enquiries about ancient events, was
published in the Youth's MagazineYouth's Magazine
(1805–67)
Waterloo
Directory CloseView the register entry >>, 2nd ser. 7: 105.
In reply, the mummy claims, among other things, that the ancient Egyptians had
gas lighting: 'Ay, gas-lights! Mock me not; we men of yore / Were versed
in all the knowledge you can mention / Who hath not heard of Egypt's peerless
lore? / Her patient toil? acuteness of invention? / Survey the proofs,
—our Pyramids are thriving [...] Yet, though her art and toil unearthly
seem, / Those blocks were brought on RAIL-ROADS and
by STEAM!' (359).
[Henderson 1818]Henderson,
Ebenezer 1818. Iceland; or, The Journal of a Residence in that
Island, During the Years 1814 and 1815. Containing Observations on the Natural
Phenomena, History, Literature, and Antiquities of the Island; and the
Religion, Character, Manners, and Customs of its Inhabitants. With an
Introduction and Appendix, 2 vols, Edinburgh: Oliphant, Waugh and Innes;
London: T. Hamilton [and 2 others]
CloseView the register entry >>
Chappell 1818Chappell,
Edward 1818. Voyage of His Majesty's Ship Rosamond to
Newfoundland and the Southern Coast of Labrador: Of Which Countries no Account
has been Published by any British Traveller Since the Reign of Queen
Elizabeth, London: J. Mawman
CloseView the register entry >>
Subjects:
Zoology
The largest part of the description is devoted to an account of the spawning
of the fish.
Bucke 1821Bucke, Charles
1821. On the Beauties, Harmonies and Sublimities of Nature: With Occasional
Remarks on the Laws, Customs, Manners, and Opinions of Various Nations, 4
vols, London: G. & W. B. Whittaker
CloseView the register entry >>
Subjects:
Natural History
Reflects on the role of squirrels in propagating the oak trees which are the
pride of England, providing an essential service to the
Royal NavyRoyal Navy
CloseView the register entry >>.
Youth's Magazine, 3rd ser. 7 (1834), 377–83.
Why?
Anon
Genre:
Short Fiction
Subjects:
Theology of Nature, Theodicy, Climatology, Design, Providence, Natural
Theology
The narrator begins by describing the habits of Tommy Burford, an
eight-year-old boy who has a large stock of information learned by always
asking 'Why?' (377). Recounts Tommy's conversation with his father, a man of
biblical religion, one morning in November as they walked out together. Mr
Burford tells his son: 'He hath made every thing beautiful in his time [...]
"But he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work
that God maketh from the beginning to the end", and is therefore unable to see
that beauty, harmony, and order in creation, which it exhibits to His eye who
looketh under the whole heavens' (378–79). When Tommy questions why
winter has to be so cold, his father counsels against taking a narrow
perspective: 'A large portion of the human family is so constituted, as to
derive the greatest measure of enjoyment form the rigours of such a season; and
were we to travel to the coldest regions of the earth, we should find them
teeming with the inferior animals, all of which are so well adapted to their
station and circumstances, that elsewhere they would be comparatively
miserable' (379). Mr Burford recalls how when they went to the
Zoological GardensZoological Society of London —Gardens
CloseView the register entry >> the
previous week, they had observed special means employed 'to supply the Polar
bears with an atmosphere approaching to that of their native country' (380).
They discuss provisions by which various species are protected from the effects
of climate, including the migration of birds; these are taken as instances of
divine providence. Tommy observes that, while divine providence never fails
humans, 'young lions' suffer. His father contends that such suffering confounds
the deist, since it can only be accounted for by the Fall, and by the need for
redemption, as revealed in the Bible. He argues that, while God has not 'left
himself without witness', and '"the things that are made" teach us something of
his character as the father of mercies and the giver of peace', it is only
revelation that can explain the mystery of salvation (383).
Relates an anecdote of
TamerlaneTamerlane (anglicized form of Timur-I-Lang, 'lame
Timur')
(1336–1404)
CBD CloseView the register entry >>, who was
emboldened by the example set by an ant's perseverance. Observes: 'This
anecdote confirms the sentiment that there is no creature so mean but may
contribute to our instruction' (411). Expands on the example of endurance set
by the ant.
Youth's Magazine, 3rd ser. 7 (1834), 421–23.
The Busy Bees
Anon
Genre:
Short Fiction
Subjects:
Entomology, Animal Behaviour, Endeavour, Piety
Relates the history of three successive owners of Oakfield House. The last
has an 'elegant aviary erected for his bees' which is 'a favorite spot with the
young people' (422). Yet while the children of all three owners were in some
respects 'busy bees', they were not busy with their Bibles. The narrator urges:
'You have heard of the busy bees; if you wish to be happy here, be busy at your
work, and at your play; but if you desire to be happy here and hereafter, be
especially busy with your Bibles' (423).