"Resplendent SunHow inauspicious didst thou dart thy beamsThat day on Thebes, when from the sea-wash'd coastOf fair Phœnicia Cadmus on this landSet his ill-omen'd foot!"
"Resplendent SunHow inauspicious didst thou dart thy beamsThat day on Thebes, when from the sea-wash'd coastOf fair Phœnicia Cadmus on this landSet his ill-omen'd foot!"
"Resplendent Sun
How inauspicious didst thou dart thy beams
That day on Thebes, when from the sea-wash'd coast
Of fair Phœnicia Cadmus on this land
Set his ill-omen'd foot!"
We have suggested that Grecians [i. e.of Ægina] may have been the authors of the Sculpture, and Egyptians of the Architectural bases of the edifices, because their respective styles are traceable in the Ruins of Palenque, Uxmal, and Copan. This suggestion is founded upon the possibility (and even probability) of natives of those nations being at Tyrus, at thetime of the departure of the Tyrians:—yet, it does not follow, as a necessity, that all the Architects, Builders, and Sculptors must have been of those nations;—for although there does not exist in Asia or Africa any Phœnician Architecture, whereby a comparison can be made, yet there does exist the undying record that the Tyrians were builders and Sculptors from their own practice, and that fact is founded upon the authority of Scripture:
"And Hiram, King of Tyre sent messengers to David,—and cedar trees,—andcarpentersandmasons,—and they built David a house"—i. e.Palace. [2 Samuel v. 2.]
Here then is a distinct and undeniable record of the Tyrians being, not only carpenters (their Shipbuilding proves that) butMasons,—and which in the original Hebrew text is defined to be "hewers of the stone of the wall;" and consequently they wereSculptors, as well asArchitects. Their building and adorning of Solomon's Temple (as will be shewn in the History of Tyrus) are additional facts, with the building of the Palace of David, to put at rest any suspicion, or question, whether the Tyrians themselves, unassisted by others, could have built and Sculptured those edifices in America. TheIsraeliteshad no practical knowledge of Architecture until ages after the building (by the Tyrians) of Solomon's Temple. 1015B. C.
The above quotation from Sacred History refers to the year 1043B. C., and consequently centuries before the time contemplated by this Epoch,—viz.,B. C.332.
Skilful knowledge, possessed, and existing for ages before, by any nation, and upon any subject, would naturally be improved upon and practised by descendants:—they would also improve upon the Architecture ofany other nationwith whom they had association and communion,—and as Tyrus, as a People, of all the ancient nations was a practical one, they produced in America an improvement (and a great one) upon the Architecture of the Egyptians. This fact ofimprovement, andalterationof the original order of Egypt, is another proof that the builders were not essentially of that nation; but,—from a country having a practical skill, and minds daring enough to innovate upon any precedent, whenimprovementwould be the result.—That Nation was Tyrus.
We do not desire to advance one assertion, not capable of being defended, and consequently will establish that an improvement upon the Architecture of Egypt does exist in the Ruined cities of Ancient America.
The first idea in building had its origin (without doubt) from the Caverns of Nature, where Man would be protected from the raging tempest:—and, from being shadowed from the beams of Apollo by the spreading branches of the forest, he must have soon felt the necessity of converting the latter into more commodious forms than those in which Nature had left them. To huts made of trees and branches, festooned together by their own foliage, succeeded more convenient habitations, composed of upright and cross beams, the apertures closed with leaves and moistened earth. Fromthese humble pillars of the forest, were derived those beautiful Columns composing the five received orders of Architecture. That of Egypt is not admitted into the Classic group.
The interior of a cavern with the walls rising pyramidally, gave the natural instruction for the formation of a Tent,—poles rising from a broad base to a centre,—or of a single one, with the canvass outstretched by cords and fastened to the stakes driven in the earth;—such were the Tents of Israel,—those of the Aborigines ofNorthAmerica, and of the wandering Gipsy, in the erection of their culinary edifice even to this day. The Pyramids of Egypt are but majestic examples of the same principle of construction,—viz., the corners and sides of a broad base rising on an inclined plane, until they meet and form an apex over a common centre. This construction has given them that defiance against the whirlwinds and sands for which they are so conspicuous.Water,—that "sore decayer of dead bodies,"—be they of "flesh," wood, or stone, can have no effect in Egypt;for there the rains do not fall, and consequently moisture cannot exert her gradual but certain power;—in Ancient America this safeguard to edifices is not granted by Nature,—but yet the principle of the Pyramid has given duration, and proved the existence of Nations in the Western Hemisphere, traceable to centuries before Egypt mourned a Cleopatra, who, as the living emblem of her death, became the venomed and fatal Serpent of her Country!
The Pyramids of Egypt (symbols of self-vanity) risefrom a broad base to anunsupporting,useless, and idle apex:—in Mexican Americathe lowest portion of the base is retained, and that only; and upon this simple, but lasting foundation, are erected the perpendicular walls of her sacred Temples,—Sculptured stone forming the façades of the gorgeous edifices! The point of grandeur of design, is far beyond the useless masses of the Nile; for there can exist no grandeur of design without the association of utility,—physical or mental. The radiant Sun itself would cease to be Sublime, were it in design, or in its powers, to be devoid of its manifold, and creative blessings! The Architect of the Universe in forming the "image of Himself," and in assigning to it the functions of physical power, so organized them,—and the more subtle mechanism of the brain,—that they should illustrate, that all action and thought (apart from Religious duty) should be directed towards utility and excellence!
The fact ofimprovingupon the pyramidal Architecture of Egypt, supports the apparent fact that Tyrians alone were the builders of the edifices now under consideration; for (apart from the perpendicular river-wall, which is identical with the sea-wall of ancient Tyrus) a new and distinct order, or style of Architecture, is visible in those Temples, traceable from the base to the Cornice or summit,—and from the compound character, believe that we have correctly termed itEgypto-Tyrian.
We will advance another reason for believing that Copan was the first City built in Mexican America,—viz.,thesquarecolumn (or obelisk)only, is found there,—while in other ruins, excepting Palenque, thecircularis perceptible,—the latter are found at Mitla and Uxmal,—thus establishing (almost conclusively) that those cities were of later erection,—for the square column is easier in formation than the circular,—and the latter is produced from the former,—and consequentlytwo columnsare made in producing the circular shaft. The square is, also, better adapted, from its facial character, for the purposes of Sculpture; as illustrated in the Idol-obelisks at Copan,—and that which would be the simplest in construction, and giving the greatest facility for its peculiar adaptation, would naturally be selected by a People for their first Temple:—yet, reserving to themselves for practice at a future day, the knowledge possessed in the more refined branches of the Art:—they subsequently illustrated that superior knowledge at Palenque and Uxmal. In the conclusion of this section, however, it will be shewn that thesquare styleof Architecture was essentially Tyrian, and that it is distinctly visible at Copan and Palenque. An analogy in regard to antiquity is found from the stuccoing or plaistering of the walls. This custom in Art is one of the most ancient on record. Mr. Stephens would infer from the fact of stuccoing that they had a modern origin, and actually calls it in one place—"plaister ofParis!" The custom is mentioned by the first Lawgiver 1451YEARSbefore the Christian Æra!
"And it shall be on the day when ye shall pass over Jordan unto the land which theLordthyGodgiveththee,that thou shalt set thee up great stones, and plaister them with plaister: and thou shaltWRITEupon them all the words of this law." [Deut. xxvii. 2, 3.]
Here is not only the proof of the ancient custom of stuccoing, or hard plaistering;—but, also, the fact ofSculpture, orwriting upon Stucco,—of course in its damp state, and when dry it became, as at Palenque, "as hard as stone." Again,—It, also, covered the interior of the palatial walls of Babylon, and was the surface upon which was traced the handwriting at Belshazzar's Feast,—this was 538B. C.
"In the same hour came forth fingers of a man's hand, and wrote over against the candlestick,—upon theplaister of the wallof the King's palace." [Dan. v. 5.]
Another analogy is found upon this point of art, as being used by both the ancient Tyrians and the Aborigines;—for the walls of Tyrus were built of large blocks of stone—not very hard—but protected from the weather byhard white-plaister,—orstucco;—the walls of Palenque seem to be a direct imitation.
It was a custom of the ancient nations to paint their statues, or figures on the walls, with the primitive colours,—but chiefly red or vermilion. In so doing they believed that they approached the colour of the Gods,—and in Rome, from the same feeling, a Conqueror granted the honour of a triumphal entry to the Capital, was always painted red, in supposed imitation of the God of War.
It is recorded in Scripture as being practised bythe Chaldeans, and as a consequence by their associates the Babylonians.
"For when she saw men pourtrayed on the wall,—the images of the Chaldeans pourtrayed withvermilion, &c." [Eze. xxiii. 14.]
It was, also, practised by the Egyptians and Tyrians,—and is now discovered in America:—for Mr. Stephens states that the sculpture, and even the steps, had been painted,—that black and white,—red, blue, and yellow are distinctly visible, but that theRed(vermilion) is predominant. From the number of colours another analogy is traceable, for of all the ancient nations that of Tyrus was the most renowned for her knowledge of colours,—and when to the "primitive three," she added by her discovery the celebrated tint, or Tyrian Dye, her renown was increased, and spread throughout all the Nations,—so much so, that they sent their royal mantles to Tyrus to receive the costly dye—and from that fact, regal robes have continued to be tinted, even to this day, with the gorgeousPurple,—which, though originally intended for blood-stained Kings and warriors,—succeeding ages have placed upon even the graceful forms of dove-eyed Queens; (so strong is custom)—while the first and Heavenly colour—blue,—and which from Scripture was the tint of Aaron's Robes of Peace,—has passed unheeded by, although commanded by The voice of The King of Kings.
"And thou shalt make the robe of the Ephodall of blue." [Ex. xxviii. 31.]
The exact tint of the Tyrian Dye is not known, other than it waspurple.—There are several degrees of purple,—light or dark,—as theblueshall predominate in its mixture with theRed. The original dye was derived from a shellfish (purple murex) as before related;—and upon the occasion of its being discovered, the Tyrian thought that his dog had been wounded in the mouth, for he imagined that his faithful follower wasbleeding:—here then the tint is arrived at,—viz., that it must have resembled that ofblood,—consequently it was thelight purple, or rathercrimsonas it is now termed,—therefore, theRedpredominated over the Blue.
The Prophet of the Advent defines that in ancient days (760B. C.) scarlet, red, and crimson were esteemed the same,—they are with us only different in degree,—but the two last are proved by Scripture to have been identical.
"Come now, and let us reason together, saith theLord, though your sins be asSCARLET, they shall beas white as snow: though they beRED LIKE CRIMSON, they shall beas wool." (i. e.white as snow.) [Isaiah i. 18.] The latter part of the verse is but a repetition of the former,—a favourite style in Holy-Writ, to enforce the precepts upon the mind of the reader or hearer.
Now the more ancient of the Ruins in Mexican America, are stained or paintedRed:—the Traveller, however, does not express the degree of Red,—light or dark,—or whether it contained any other colour with it;—it is enough that Red is distinctly stated:—andmay not the Aborigines have dyed their sculpture in remembrance of their past celebrity at Tyrus? If at Copan (their first city) they had mixedBluewithRedto produce theblood-purple, the lapse of centuries would have extracted the minor colour—blue,—(minor from its proportion in mixture),—and have left the major colour,—Red,—entire,—as it now appears upon the Idols, Altars, and steps of these Egypto-Tyrian monuments in Ancient America. Again; the knowledge of colours by the Tyrians, (and those in which they excelled)—is distinctly stated in the Bible.Solomonin sending toHiram, King of Tyrus (1015B. C.) for Artists to build and adorn the Temple of Jerusalem,—says—
"Send me now, therefore, a man cunningto workin gold and in silver, and in brass and in iron,—and inpurple, andcrimson, andblue, &c." [2 Chronicles ii. 7.] "Blue" is directly expressed, and by its mixture with "Crimson" (i. e.Red.—VideIsaiah i. 18.) in certain proportions would produce "Purple."—Now in Mexican America we have seen, that Blue and Red (and perhaps originally a Purple), are found, and used by the Aborigines to adorn their first Temple at Copan, as Solomon did his Temple at Jerusalem,—through the skill and knowledge of theTyrians!—who without doubt practised their art in colours upon their own Temples at Tyrus,—and which Solomon, in compliment to Hiram (with whom he was in the strictest bonds of amity), was willing to, and did, imitate, in the Capital of Israel.
Had the Tyrians possessedno knowledgeof Colours, the discovery of them upon the Mexican Ruins would have been useless in reference to any analogy, and injurious against identity;—but, the Tyrians having the knowledge of the three primitives, and of a fourth colour, and had they not been discovered at Copan or Palenque, then thewantof a similitude would be evident and material;—but, as both People,—the Tyrians and the Aborigines,—possessed the same knowledge, and practice of colouring their Temples,—the Analogy is not only apparent, but absolute.
It will be remembered by the reader, that in the Sepulchral Chamber at Copan, an Engraved Gem was found,—"a small death's-head(skull)CARVEDin fine green stone." The antiquity of this style of engraving has been shewn in alluding to Aaron's "breastplate of judgment,"—but, we will now prove that anotherTyriananalogy is found in the carved Gem of Copan,—That theTyrianswere engravers of Gem-stones is established upon the authority of Scriptural history,—and from that Sacred Volume it is, also, proved, that theTyrianswere the builders of Solomon's Temple.—This will be enlarged upon in the history of Tyrus.—Solomon wrote to Hiram for a superior artist, in addition to the general workmen, "to work in gold, and in silver, &c.—and that can skill to grave,"—the Hebrew text is, "to grave gravings,"—or in modern phrase—toengrave,—i. e.cut, or carve metal or stones. The King of Tyrus answered,—
"And now I have sent a cunning (i. e.skilful) man;[of the same name as the King,i. e.Hiram] * * * "skilful to work in gold, and in silver, in brass, in iron,in stone;—also,to grave any manner of graving." [2 Chron. ii. 13, 14.] That Solomon availed himself of the skill of this Artist in Gem-engraving is proved by the following verse:
"And he garnished the house [i. e.Temple] withprecious stonesfor beauty." [i. e.of workmanship.] [2 Chron. iii. 6.]
We shall conclude this Section with an analogy that may appear strange to the general reader, but it is no less true than original, and from which, Identity is apparent.
The Wisdom of Solomon (and inferentially his people also) did not embrace the practical Sciences of Architecture, Sculpture, or Navigation. He was compelled to apply for all these to theTyrianMonarch. Solomon's wisdom was of the philosophy ofNature, and notin the defined Arts or Sciences.—This is shewn in the first Book of Kings [ch. iv. 32, 33.]
"And he (Solomon) spake three thousandProverbs, and hisSongswere a thousand and five. And he spake oftrees,—from thecedar treethat is in Lebanon, even unto thehyssopthat springeth out of the wall: he spake also, ofbeasts,—and offowl,—and ofcreeping things,—and offishes." Five centuries before Solomon,—the Hebrew artists,—Bezaleel and Aholiab,—were called by TheAlmighty, and presented to Moses for a special purpose. [VideExodus xxxv. 30—35.]
TheTyrianswere the Architects and Sculptors of the Temple of Solomon, and in the description of thatEdifice it will be found that thesquare,—or four-sided,—columns and bases prevailed, to the exclusion of the circular,—even thedoor-posts of the Templeweresquare:—the same are seen at Palenque!
"So also made he for the door of the Temple posts of olive trees,—a fourth partof the wall,"—[1 Kings vi. 33]—defined to be—"four-square."
The two brazen Pillars of the Porch of the Templewere square,—andabout five feet six inches on each side,—(what are the Pillars at Copan?)—and the capitals covered with carved "nets of checker work" and "wreaths of chain-work,"—upon these were suspended "two rows of pomegranates."
The celebrated "bases" were distinctly square,—and aboutseven feet on each side.
"And he (the Tyrian Artist) made ten bases of brass,—fourcubits (21 inches and a fraction each cubit, Scripture measure,) was thelengthof one base, andfourcubits thebreadththereof" [this is a perfect square]. "And there were four undersettersto the four corners of one base,"—"And also upon the mouth of it (the laver) weregravingswith theirborders, four-square, not round."—"And after this manner he made the ten bases [i. e.square columns]: all of them had one casting [Hebrew: "fashioning"], one measure and one size." [1 Kings, ch. vii.]
Now the square style of Architecture in Solomon's Temple may distinctly be claimed asTyrianArchitecture—for the Tyrians were the Architects, Sculptors, and Builders, directed by Hiram the Artist,—andit is self-evident, since they were so, that they followed that style generally adopted in their own country;—here then is a direct proof of theTyrianArchitecture being in Ancient America,—for the reader will instantly recognise that the Square-columns form the "door-posts" also at Palenque,—and that the Idol-Obelisks at Copan are "four-square, not round" and covered with "gravings"—(i. e.Sculptures). The superficial measure of the "square piers,"—or columns at Palenque, does not vary in a great degree from the square Porch-columns and bases at Jerusalem,—while the Hebrew "pomegranates" at the latter Capital, were varied,—yet the florid style of Tyrian Sculpture imitated in the "compositions of leaves and flowers" at Uxmal.
It is not necessary to prove that themeasurementof the Temple on Mount Moriah, and that at Palenque, are identical, in order to establish the analogy now under consideration, because local applications of their respective dimensions would create essential variations. In the previous reign (that of David) King Hiram sent his Tyrian Architects to Jerusalem, and built a Palace for the Monarch of Israel,—and in the reign of Solomon, (who resolved to erect the Temple) the same King of Tyrus was applied to for artists to build the great Mansion of Religion,—Solomon did not commandhow it should be built,—or in what order or style of Architecture;—that he left to the Tyrians, who were practical artists,—THEYgaveHIMthe design, upon his expressing to the Chief Architect the "wants" of the edifice.
"Now these are the things wherein Solomon wasinstructedfor the building of the house ofGod," &c. [2 Chron. iii. 3.]
We have expressed in the previous pages, that no TyrianRuinsin Asia or Africa are found, whereby the style of that Nation's Architecture could be identified,—none exist in Sidon, Tyrus, or Carthage;—but, the never-decaying Volume of Religion, contains a living picture of Tyrian art and style at Jerusalem, that never can be in Ruins:—though the identifying marbles of Phœnician architecture,—like the first stone-tablets of the Decalogue,—are broken and lost "beneath the Mount" of Time,—yet upon the page of Holy-Writ do they both appear as new,—as perfect,—as when first erected by Tyrians for the Son of David,—or traced by the finger ofGodfor the instruction, and civilization of mankind!
The Temple of Solomon, upon the authority of the Bible, was of Tyrian Architecture, (for the Israelites, we repeat it, had no knowledge of the Arts at that time,) built and adorned by the Tyrians,—the same Architecture is found in the Ruins of Ancient America, and consequently Tyrian,—while the substructure being a portion of a Pyramid, justly authorizes (we submit) the new term of Egypto-Tyrian.
We cannot dismiss this interesting discovery of an analogy between the Architecture of the Temples of Jerusalem, Palenque, and Copan,—thus proving the two latter to be Tyrian,—without the remark,—that if no other similitude could be found in this volume inorder to identify the Mexican Aborigines as Tyrians, we think that the analogy of the Temples alone, would satisfy the reader upon that point; as also, that this History has not been written without that due regard to testimony, and undeniable evidence, demanded by the importance of the subject;—and which, being novel and surprising, requires more than usual proof to convince the mind, that it is analyzing a proposition of truth, and not one of sophistry.
The ignorance of the Israelites in reference to the practical arts will be enlarged upon in the next volume.[8]
Having stopped the Press to insert these remarks upon Mr. Stephens'ssecondvisit to Yucatan, we cannot refrain from offering a few observations upon a paragraph by one of the most learned and accomplished Reviewers of the present day,[9]—and one who has the distinguished honour of having first brought the Ruins of Ancient America to the general notice of Europe, through the medium of his talented periodical. In reviewing[10]Mr. Stephens's volumes upon "Incidents of Travel in Yucatan," (2d Visit,)—the Editor writes as follows:—"The difference in declension between Central and North America offers a problem worthy of philosophical consideration. In the former case, the Mexican Indian, notwithstanding massacres of merciless atrocity, has been allowed to remain, albeit scattered on the soil of his ancestors, andto enter into a combination(i. e.Marriage) whence another race of mankind has sprung: in the latter [the Northern] the white invader (Anglo-Saxon) has chased him from his native possessions and driven him to limits,where utter extermination seems to be his doom. The comparison could hardly be made without indicating a conclusion highly favourable to the iron-clad Spaniards of what we choose to call an ignorant and a barbarous age (1520), and against the more modern offspring (1620) of our country and enlightened times.Though the thirst of gold was the same in both instances, it does appear, and it is melancholy to reflect upon it, that something of nobler impulses belonged to the elder (or Spanish) æra."We have quoted the entire paragraph to which attention is desired, and shall now review the several parts,—and trust in a few remarks to remove the unintentional stain upon the Anglo-Saxon race, which the above extract has placed upon them:—as also, affording an additional opportunity of supporting our previous assertions, that the Aborigines weretwodistinct People."The difference in declension [i. e.of the existing Aboriginal population] between Central and North America offers a problem worthy of philosophical consideration." We had already solved this problem in the first pages of this volume, before the above was brought to our observation. The solution is founded upon historic truth,—viz., that the Aborigines of theNorthwill notintermarry, or cohabit, with anyrace but their own,—they have a Religious abhorrence even at the supposition of such a sacrilege,—for in their minds it is one. This principle of the House of Israel is even followed in European Society by the Jewish family,—and that after ages of intercourse with the Christian. It seems impossible to eradicate the prejudice with the Aborigines of the North,—and this has been one of the greatest barriers to the propagation of the Christian Religion among them. As a most convincing proof of the above, we offer an historic fact not generally known even in America, and certainly not in Europe,—but it is given upon the authority of the late President of the United States,—General Harrison,—and it is, therefore, unimpeachable. In writing the forthcoming Life and History of that distinguished Patriot, it came under our observation during the required researches,—and is found in a document of his as late in date as 1838,—viz., At the commencement of the American Revolution in 1775,—the government of Great Britain (through the influence of her traders), engaged all the North-western Aborigines in her cause, for the purpose of laying waste the frontiers. The Continental Congress, most anxious to destroy this junction and impending calamity,—sent delegates to convince them that they were not a party to the quarrel, and therefore should be neutral. The application met with no success, for the Aborigines viewed the Colonists as their enemies and invaders,—because they were the actual possessors and occupiers of the land and homes of their ancestors. The Congress knowing that from the time of the Pilgrims landing at Plymouth, (1620) the Aborigines would never associate as a community with the Anglo-Saxon race—bythe great family bond of Intermarriage;—the Congress then had recourse to the following novel proposition,—and it was actually embodied in a treaty concluded with the Delaware Tribes in 1778,—viz.,That the Aborigines of the North, by remaining neutral in the War,—should be consolidated into a State by themselves, and upon the achievement of National Independence,should be incorporated into the Republic of the United States! The following are President Harrison's words,—viz., "Nothing can shew the anxiety of Congress to effect this object in stronger colours, than the agreement entered into with the Delaware Tribes, at a treaty concluded at Pittsburgh in 1778. By an article in that Treaty,the United-States proposedthat a State should be formed, to be composed of the Delawares and the other Tribes of the North,—and contracted to admit them, when so formed,—as oneof the members of the Union."—[Historical Discourse, Ohio, 1838.] The above fact of History certainly proves the anxiety of the Congress, not only to avoid their enmity, but to provide at a future dayfor their continuance as a People, and not their "extermination." The same policy of the United-States has now placed all the Tribes on the West of the Mississippi,—(for they would form no community founded upon intermarriage), and there to be protected by the Government of the United-States against all invaders. In vain shall we search the Spanish Annals for an instance (in their Mexican Conquests,) of humanity like these acts of American commiseration and Christian policy.In the second sentence of the paragraph quoted from the Literary Gazette, the Editor has given the identical cause why the Mexican Aborigines are still found upon their lands,—not as owners, but as Slaves,—viz.,that they did intermarry—("enter into a combination," &c.)—thence thetworaces are apparent upon the strongest ground of argument,—viz., Religious principles,—and which, with all Aborigines are the guides to their actions. Therefore, the Editor by his remarks upon the Mexican race, actually solved, though unconsciously, the problem proposed in his first sentence. In forming a "comparison" between the Spanish invasion by Cortez, in 1520, and the landing of the Pilgrim-Fathers in 1620, any writer must fail,—for withoutsimilitudethere can beno comparison;—contrastis the word, and never in the history of nations was there a greater contrast than between the Spanish and Anglo-Saxon races, in theirmotivein landing in Mexico and in New-England: but the Editor has written "Though the thirst ofGoldwas the same inBOTHinstances, it does appear, and it is melancholy to reflect upon it,that something of nobler impulses belonged to the elder(or Spanish)æra!" Cortez and Pizarro, and their bands of pirates, were alone possessed with an unquenchable "thirst of gold,"—it was "the god of their idolatry,"—even the humane Columbus could only hold his power with the Spanish Government by sending home the precious metal,—and when it failed, so declined his influence; and it at last compelled him to have recourse to making Slaves of the natives of Hispaniola,—and each had allotted to him a task of bringing a small bell full of gold from the mountains, and if they failed, stripes were their punishment; and of all the natives, not one acre of land was purchased, or even attempted. The Spaniards found,as we will prove,branches of Christianity!—and yet with the Crucifix in one hand, and the brand or dagger in their other,—they sacrificedeleven millionsof human beings to their unhallowed invasions, lust, and thirst for gold:—but were theEnglishso possessed when in the depth of dreary winter they braved the dangers of the broad Atlantic?—What drove that band of Pilgrim-Fathers forth to seek an unknown wilderness for a home and shelter? Was it gold?—would they have dealt with money-changers in the Temple?—No!—One thought alone throbbed within their hearts,—viz., To worship theirGodandSaviouraccording to the solemn dictates of their conscience! They were Englishmen, and the first promulgators of Religious and Civil freedom in the Western Hemisphere.—Upon their landing did they enslave the Natives for gold-finders?—No!—They offered the hand of amity,—and in itthey gave goldfor acres, and obtained the land by fair and honourable purchase. Entering upon their pilgrimage upon the principle only of Religious freedom,—the Northern-native has been ever permitted to enjoy the same; and not a record of that land will prove, that the English ever sacrificed a human being upon the ground of Religious belief or disbelief. It is the veryprinciple of the Contrastbetween the Spanish conquest and the English landing on the Western Continent, that has made the essential difference, even to this day, in the stability of the Governments of the two European races, Spanish and Anglo-Saxon. The former was based upon injustice, lust, and avarice,—thence can be traced the eventual downfall of the Spanish principles in South America; but the latter was Freedom-founded, and based upon laws, virtue, equity,—and thence, as a consequence, the Anglo-Saxon family still remain firm and secure. Their House being built upon a Rock, and daring,—like the Parent-Country,—the wild elements of tyranny even to approach the foundation, they fear no "comparison" with a blood-stained Mansion erected upon the Sands; and which the waves of Time have so far swept from view, that even the false proportions would have been lost, had not History placed them in her archives as a warning to posterity! Apology, we trust, is not required for this almost digressive note;—the just defence of the character of England and the United-States has been our only motive;—and that being ourrule of actionthrough life, either in public or private, we could not avoid it. G. J.
Having stopped the Press to insert these remarks upon Mr. Stephens'ssecondvisit to Yucatan, we cannot refrain from offering a few observations upon a paragraph by one of the most learned and accomplished Reviewers of the present day,[9]—and one who has the distinguished honour of having first brought the Ruins of Ancient America to the general notice of Europe, through the medium of his talented periodical. In reviewing[10]Mr. Stephens's volumes upon "Incidents of Travel in Yucatan," (2d Visit,)—the Editor writes as follows:—
"The difference in declension between Central and North America offers a problem worthy of philosophical consideration. In the former case, the Mexican Indian, notwithstanding massacres of merciless atrocity, has been allowed to remain, albeit scattered on the soil of his ancestors, andto enter into a combination(i. e.Marriage) whence another race of mankind has sprung: in the latter [the Northern] the white invader (Anglo-Saxon) has chased him from his native possessions and driven him to limits,where utter extermination seems to be his doom. The comparison could hardly be made without indicating a conclusion highly favourable to the iron-clad Spaniards of what we choose to call an ignorant and a barbarous age (1520), and against the more modern offspring (1620) of our country and enlightened times.Though the thirst of gold was the same in both instances, it does appear, and it is melancholy to reflect upon it, that something of nobler impulses belonged to the elder (or Spanish) æra."
We have quoted the entire paragraph to which attention is desired, and shall now review the several parts,—and trust in a few remarks to remove the unintentional stain upon the Anglo-Saxon race, which the above extract has placed upon them:—as also, affording an additional opportunity of supporting our previous assertions, that the Aborigines weretwodistinct People.
"The difference in declension [i. e.of the existing Aboriginal population] between Central and North America offers a problem worthy of philosophical consideration." We had already solved this problem in the first pages of this volume, before the above was brought to our observation. The solution is founded upon historic truth,—viz., that the Aborigines of theNorthwill notintermarry, or cohabit, with anyrace but their own,—they have a Religious abhorrence even at the supposition of such a sacrilege,—for in their minds it is one. This principle of the House of Israel is even followed in European Society by the Jewish family,—and that after ages of intercourse with the Christian. It seems impossible to eradicate the prejudice with the Aborigines of the North,—and this has been one of the greatest barriers to the propagation of the Christian Religion among them. As a most convincing proof of the above, we offer an historic fact not generally known even in America, and certainly not in Europe,—but it is given upon the authority of the late President of the United States,—General Harrison,—and it is, therefore, unimpeachable. In writing the forthcoming Life and History of that distinguished Patriot, it came under our observation during the required researches,—and is found in a document of his as late in date as 1838,—viz., At the commencement of the American Revolution in 1775,—the government of Great Britain (through the influence of her traders), engaged all the North-western Aborigines in her cause, for the purpose of laying waste the frontiers. The Continental Congress, most anxious to destroy this junction and impending calamity,—sent delegates to convince them that they were not a party to the quarrel, and therefore should be neutral. The application met with no success, for the Aborigines viewed the Colonists as their enemies and invaders,—because they were the actual possessors and occupiers of the land and homes of their ancestors. The Congress knowing that from the time of the Pilgrims landing at Plymouth, (1620) the Aborigines would never associate as a community with the Anglo-Saxon race—bythe great family bond of Intermarriage;—the Congress then had recourse to the following novel proposition,—and it was actually embodied in a treaty concluded with the Delaware Tribes in 1778,—viz.,That the Aborigines of the North, by remaining neutral in the War,—should be consolidated into a State by themselves, and upon the achievement of National Independence,should be incorporated into the Republic of the United States! The following are President Harrison's words,—viz., "Nothing can shew the anxiety of Congress to effect this object in stronger colours, than the agreement entered into with the Delaware Tribes, at a treaty concluded at Pittsburgh in 1778. By an article in that Treaty,the United-States proposedthat a State should be formed, to be composed of the Delawares and the other Tribes of the North,—and contracted to admit them, when so formed,—as oneof the members of the Union."—[Historical Discourse, Ohio, 1838.] The above fact of History certainly proves the anxiety of the Congress, not only to avoid their enmity, but to provide at a future dayfor their continuance as a People, and not their "extermination." The same policy of the United-States has now placed all the Tribes on the West of the Mississippi,—(for they would form no community founded upon intermarriage), and there to be protected by the Government of the United-States against all invaders. In vain shall we search the Spanish Annals for an instance (in their Mexican Conquests,) of humanity like these acts of American commiseration and Christian policy.
In the second sentence of the paragraph quoted from the Literary Gazette, the Editor has given the identical cause why the Mexican Aborigines are still found upon their lands,—not as owners, but as Slaves,—viz.,that they did intermarry—("enter into a combination," &c.)—thence thetworaces are apparent upon the strongest ground of argument,—viz., Religious principles,—and which, with all Aborigines are the guides to their actions. Therefore, the Editor by his remarks upon the Mexican race, actually solved, though unconsciously, the problem proposed in his first sentence. In forming a "comparison" between the Spanish invasion by Cortez, in 1520, and the landing of the Pilgrim-Fathers in 1620, any writer must fail,—for withoutsimilitudethere can beno comparison;—contrastis the word, and never in the history of nations was there a greater contrast than between the Spanish and Anglo-Saxon races, in theirmotivein landing in Mexico and in New-England: but the Editor has written "Though the thirst ofGoldwas the same inBOTHinstances, it does appear, and it is melancholy to reflect upon it,that something of nobler impulses belonged to the elder(or Spanish)æra!" Cortez and Pizarro, and their bands of pirates, were alone possessed with an unquenchable "thirst of gold,"—it was "the god of their idolatry,"—even the humane Columbus could only hold his power with the Spanish Government by sending home the precious metal,—and when it failed, so declined his influence; and it at last compelled him to have recourse to making Slaves of the natives of Hispaniola,—and each had allotted to him a task of bringing a small bell full of gold from the mountains, and if they failed, stripes were their punishment; and of all the natives, not one acre of land was purchased, or even attempted. The Spaniards found,as we will prove,branches of Christianity!—and yet with the Crucifix in one hand, and the brand or dagger in their other,—they sacrificedeleven millionsof human beings to their unhallowed invasions, lust, and thirst for gold:—but were theEnglishso possessed when in the depth of dreary winter they braved the dangers of the broad Atlantic?—What drove that band of Pilgrim-Fathers forth to seek an unknown wilderness for a home and shelter? Was it gold?—would they have dealt with money-changers in the Temple?—No!—One thought alone throbbed within their hearts,—viz., To worship theirGodandSaviouraccording to the solemn dictates of their conscience! They were Englishmen, and the first promulgators of Religious and Civil freedom in the Western Hemisphere.—Upon their landing did they enslave the Natives for gold-finders?—No!—They offered the hand of amity,—and in itthey gave goldfor acres, and obtained the land by fair and honourable purchase. Entering upon their pilgrimage upon the principle only of Religious freedom,—the Northern-native has been ever permitted to enjoy the same; and not a record of that land will prove, that the English ever sacrificed a human being upon the ground of Religious belief or disbelief. It is the veryprinciple of the Contrastbetween the Spanish conquest and the English landing on the Western Continent, that has made the essential difference, even to this day, in the stability of the Governments of the two European races, Spanish and Anglo-Saxon. The former was based upon injustice, lust, and avarice,—thence can be traced the eventual downfall of the Spanish principles in South America; but the latter was Freedom-founded, and based upon laws, virtue, equity,—and thence, as a consequence, the Anglo-Saxon family still remain firm and secure. Their House being built upon a Rock, and daring,—like the Parent-Country,—the wild elements of tyranny even to approach the foundation, they fear no "comparison" with a blood-stained Mansion erected upon the Sands; and which the waves of Time have so far swept from view, that even the false proportions would have been lost, had not History placed them in her archives as a warning to posterity! Apology, we trust, is not required for this almost digressive note;—the just defence of the character of England and the United-States has been our only motive;—and that being ourrule of actionthrough life, either in public or private, we could not avoid it. G. J.
MUMMIES OF EGYPT, TENERIFFE, AND PERU, &c.
In the previous Sections of this important chapter, the customs and analogies of thelivinghave been reviewed and compared,—those now to be investigated have relation to thedead.
In all countries the peculiar customs observed at the interment of the dead, have a distinct, and a National character:—those customs proclaim the people of a nation with as much certainty, as the Ruins of the Parthenon speak of Athens and the Athenians.
At the present day "theashesof the dead" is a strong, and a poetic phrase, and used even by Christian writers,—whereas it is strictly heathen in its application:—"dust to dust" is essentially Christian, and the sentence belongs to, and identifies the modern European family;—while,—"ashesof the dead,"—indicating thereby,fireas the consuming quality,—points to India, Rome, and many ancient Nations as authors of the pyro-ceremony.
Pompey's decapitated body, though thrown upon the shore of Egypt, was consumed to "ashes" by the humble but honest follower of Cæsar's Master, that the sepulchral custom of ancientItalyshould be accomplished upon, and by, a Son of Rome. The self-immolation ofthe widow upon the funeral pyre of her departed husband, points to the nation following that inhuman custom to be Hindoostan;—while the embalmed Mummies with their Sarcophagi, direct the antiquarian mind to Egypt, with as much certainty, as her "starry-pointing Pyramids," or her Sphinx-guarded Temples. Upon this accredited conclusion of the identity of nations, from the manner of disposing of their dead, will be claimed authority to establish a strong argument and analogy in support of the present subject,—and founded upon thefac-simileresemblance between the ancient Mummies of the Canary Islands, and those in Mexican America.
The general reader may not be aware that Mummies have been found in any other nation than Egypt;—they have, however, been discovered (but without the Sarcophagi) atArico, in the Island of Teneriffe, and atAricain Peru,—a similitude is discernible even in the local name given to the districts where the Mummy-pits are found. An analogy is at once perceptible in analyzing the ancient wordGuanches(the Aborigines of Teneriffe),—it is derived fromGuan,—i. e.Man,—consequently in his natural and uncontrolled state,—therefore Freemen,—this fact is sanctionedby their escape from thraldomorSlavery, when they first arrived on the Island, as will be shewn in the Second Book of this Volume. Again, in Ancient America, the places where Mummies are found are calledGuacas,—i. e.the abode of Man in his decayed state. The Reader will instantly perceive that in the construction of the word, as used in both localities, there is a directsimilitude. The first land also rediscovered by Columbus in the Western Hemisphere, was called by the natives—Guanahani,—the Genoese named it St. Salvador.
The word "Teneriffe," in the original language of the ancient inhabitants,—the Guanches,—signifies—White-Mountain,—(Thanar—mountain,—andIffe—white),—from the celebrated Peak being (from its altitude) always covered with snow.
In the singular burial-cavern of the Capuchin Friars near Palermo, there are over 2000 dead bodies,—they have erroneously been called "Mummies;"—for the bodies are not in any manner embalmed, but dried by a slow fire, (or furnace-oven) and then arranged in groups around the subterranean galleries.
The word "mummy" was originally applied to a drug so called; and it was probably used by the Egyptians as one of their ingredients in embalming—or preserving—the dead. The Bard of Avon evidently so understood it,—viz., that it was a drug possessing apreservingquality. Othello's description of his "first gift" to Desdemona will explain.—
"That handkerchief did an EgyptianTo my mother give. * * * * ** * * * * * * * * *The worms were hallow'd that did breed the silk:And it wasdyed in mummywhich the skilfulConserved of maiden's hearts."
"That handkerchief did an EgyptianTo my mother give. * * * * ** * * * * * * * * *The worms were hallow'd that did breed the silk:And it wasdyed in mummywhich the skilfulConserved of maiden's hearts."
"That handkerchief did an EgyptianTo my mother give. * * * * *
"That handkerchief did an Egyptian
To my mother give. * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * *
The worms were hallow'd that did breed the silk:And it wasdyed in mummywhich the skilfulConserved of maiden's hearts."
The worms were hallow'd that did breed the silk:
And it wasdyed in mummywhich the skilful
Conserved of maiden's hearts."
It may appear strange, at the first glance, that there should be any connexion between the Mummies of Teneriffe and those of Peru, towards establishing thatthe Mexican Aborigines were originally Tyrians:—but there is a connexion, and as certain, as that a chain of three links owes its utility to the connecting power of the central one. Teneriffe forms that central link between Tyrus and the Western Continent.
The natural and apparent question then is,—Were the Guanches (ancient Canarians) originally from the Tyrian family?—this we distinctly answer in the affirmative.
Mr. Pettigrew, in his valuable "History of Egyptian Mummies," has the following remark upon those discovered at Teneriffe.
"That the inhabitants of the Canary Islands should have adopteda practice of embalming in some measure similar to that of the Egyptian is rather singular,—seeing they were separated from each other bythe entire breadth of Northern Africa." [p. 237.]
Now the above author assumes, as a necessity,—that the ancient Guanches (Canarians) must have emigrated byland,—otherwise the sentence "entire breadth of Northern Africa" is uselessly brought forward to express the barrier between the Islands and Egypt. The emigration by land cannot be sustained, but is absolutely rejected, from the fact, that the Guanches must have had navigable means to have reached the chief Islands evenafterthey had arrived upon the Shores of the Continent,—which are nearly 150 miles from Teneriffe. This fact then points to a nation having acquaintance with Egypt, and the means of Navigation,—and also of one "advanced in civilization,"for such were the now extinct nation of the Guanches, as related by Spanish historians. Truth seems at once to point to the Tyrians as the Aborigines of those Islands.
Mr. Pettigrew probably forgot that Herodotus has recorded the celebrated Egypto-Tyrian expedition around the Continent of Africa, and which occurred 609—606 years before Christ. It is apparent that theFortunatæ Insulæ,—as the Canary Islands were called by the Ancients,—were discovered during the three years voyage related by the Greek historian, for they were known to the Tyrians centuries before the Christian Æra. This celebrated expedition, and the proofs of its being accomplished, will be investigated and established in the pages devoted to the History of Tyrus.
After the direful event which drove the Tyrians for ever from the Mediterranean (which will be elucidated hereafter), we believe that their first resting-place was among the Canary Islands,—and as the Peak of Teneriffe arose as a welcome beacon,—that Island became to them the chief place of temporary residence after their fortunate escape. It appears almost evident that the group was then named by the Tyrians,—for asthe Fortunate Islesthey are known in ancient geography. The name seems to allude to some "foregone conclusion," a peculiarly happy circumstance (i. e.escape from foe or wreck) being connected with the naming.
That the Aborigines of these Islands, and those ofAncient America were the same, will be admitted from the Mummies discovered in the two Countries. They are identical with each other, and they are not Egyptian,—for they lack the stone Sarcophagi, the hieroglyphics and the mummy Cloths. The mummies of Peru and Teneriffe are bound in skins of animals,—(a custom no where elsefound, although it isrecordedof the Scythians)—those of the former in the skin of the lama,—those of the latter in the goat-skin, an animal with which the Island abounded, and with the skins of which the original inhabitants clothed themselves. The Mummies of both Countries are also, bound within the skins by leather thongs and straps, made from the hides of the respective animals. Such facts cannot be accidental,—they must be identical.
The manner described above, may have been the custom throughout all Mexican America;—that they are only discovered at Arica inPeru, may arise from natural causes,—viz., at Arica the rain never falls (as in Egypt) and the soil is calcareous,—and the dryness of the atmosphere, with the saline qualities of the earth, produce natural embalming; thus preserving the body for ages from decomposition,—while in other portions of the Continent, from the moisture, and the absence of the preserving qualities, the bodies would gradually decay, and return and mingle with the undistinguishing dust of centuries. Many analogies are found to the Tyrians, in the details and decorations of the Peruvian Mummies,—both of the rich and the poor. Those of the poor are invariably found resting upon beds ofbroken fish-shells;—these beds are supposed to be placed there for "religious motives." May not the purple murex (i. e.dye shellfish) of Tyrus (as on the Altar of Copan) be here alluded to by this religious custom? In the same Mummy-pits (and they extend over a mile) are found variousmodels of boats,lines,and fish-hooks; these are buried with the Mummies, and they are evident witnesses of the occupation,—or the "religious motives" of the departed. Is not Tyrus here also?—her fisheries were her National emblems. And that this custom (whereby the means of sustenance were obtained) was practised in South America by the Aborigines, is distinctly stated by Dr. Robertson, upon the authority of Berrere. The statement, also, shews that the distinction between those of the North and South, or Mexican America is apparent,—those of the former depended upon hunting for their sustenance,—those of the latter,—or the Tyrian descendants,—as did their ancestors, upon their fisheries. Robertson says—"In this part of the globe (i. e.South America) hunting seemsnotto have been the first employment of men, or the first effort of their invention and labour to obtain food. They werefishersbefore they became hunters." [Vol. v., Book iv., p. 318.]
Theboat-modelis directly emblematical of a Religious custom of Tyrus,—copied from the Egyptian,—viz., the belief that theSoulhad to pass through various stages and translations, before it reached its final destination or happiness. To accomplish this, thebodywas to pass over a River,—in a sacred-barge or boat:—thethe helmsman was called by the Egyptians in their own language,—Charon. The Classic reader will instantly trace the mythological fable of Greece, concerning the Ferryman of the River Styx,—probably introduced into Grecian Thebes by the Tyrian Cadmus.
The Mummies of the rich discovered in Peru, are invariably wrapped in cloth,crimson(purple)coloured;—here then is the National colour of Tyrus, (derived from the shellfish) and which made that country so renowned. Thecolour itselfis found enveloping the bodies of the rich,—while the useless and "broken shells" are found beneath the Mummies of the poor,—the same National tribute to both,—though in degree, according to thewealthof the deceased;—for the Tyrians, like the Egyptians, would not admit of any distinction in the grave, as to rank or title;—but, believed that in the great Republic of Death, all were equal,—and,—as in the Kingdom of Kingdoms,—that good deeds alone constituted the true distinctions.
In a notice of the Ancient Mummies of Teneriffe, the Baron Humboldt states, that theydiffer from the Egyptiansin physiognomy, and that the ornaments resemble those used in Mexican America! Now when the illustrious Traveller wrote those facts (as shewn in the following quotation), there was no Theory in his mind in reference to the Tyrians,—yet his remarks will support this present History, and they are too important, as to undeniable authority, to be passed by indifferently by the reader. Baron Humboldt says—
"On examining carefully the physiognomy of theancient Canarians, able anatomists have recognised in the cheek-bones, and the lower jaw, perceptibledifferencesfrom the Egyptian Mummies. The corpses are often decorated with small laces [necklaces] to which are hung littledisksof baked earth [clay] that seemed to have served as numerical [Religious?] Signs; andresemble the quippoes of the Peruvians and Mexicans!" [Per. Nar., p. 278.]
Here then upon the high authority of Humboldt, is an analogy traced between the ornaments of the Mummies of the Guanches (Tyrians) and the ancient inhabitants of Mexican America.
Upon every consideration of the subject the Mummies discovered at Teneriffe and in Peru are identical;—the same kind are not found in any other parts of the world,—and Teneriffe (as chief of the Fortunate Isles) was known, visited, and inhabited by the Tyrians.
To prove that the Mexican Aborigines were originally from the Tyrians, we have established the following powerful Analogies, as being practised, found, or in tradition among the People of both Nations, and they are the only two countries where the same similitudes can be found;—we will not say in a singleinstance, butcollectively,—and in that way only should they be viewed by the reader. The summary is as follows: viz.—
Religious Idolatry:—the worship of, and sacrifice of human lives to the God of War; the worship of Saturn, and consequent Infanticide to propitiate the remorseless deity; the long Cross (and others) of the Goddess Astartē, in the Sculpture;—the sacrifice to Hygeia byoptionalCircumcision;—the chief worship to Apollo,—or the Sun;—the gorgeous Temples erected to his glory;—human sacrifice upon the dedication of the Temples;—and the Sacred Fire,—guarded by the Virgins of the Sun. The comparative Mummies of the Tyrian Isles and Peru; the traditional story concerning Swans; the Tortoise and Serpent in Sculpture; the dye-shell, or purple murex;—Navigation with its attendant Maps and Charts;—the Aborigines coming from "the East," and by Navigation;—their landing,—or "touching at Florida," and "before the Christian Æra,"—then the discovery of the wreck of a Tyrian galley. The knowledge of Painting, and the general application of Colours; and Gem engraving. As the Sculpture contains only hieroglyphics, and not one cipher or letter, consequently the spoken language of Phœnicia is not found,—nor is there any other language discovered,—and for a proof of its antiquity, the Tyrian-Temple Sculpture should beonlyhieroglyphical. The political character in the formation of Monarchies and Republics, as shewn at Tyrus and Carthage, Mexico and Toltecas:—Military character, and knowledge of defensivelocality, with analogous Architecture in the sea and river-walls of Tyrus and Copan. Thelast eventin the history of Tyrus, sculptured upon the Chief Altar of the most ancient Ruin (Copan); and from the character of that event, it would naturally become thefirst subjectof record in the country to which they had emigrated,—every detail of that Altar is essentially Tyrian.Paintedsculpture, and the stuccoing of the walls of Tyrus and Palenque. The Architecture, as to its square-columned style, identified as Tyrian, and proved to be analogous from the Temples of Jerusalem and Palenque: and from the square Pillars of Copan;—while the pyramidal base produced the compound term,—Egypto-Tyrian.
These absolute analogies have been traced from Holy-Writ, (and from that source others are to follow) Histories, and Traditions,—from Sculpture, Coins, and Architecture, and the entire range of the Arts;—EarthandOceanhave rendered their records, to establish that the same knowledge and customs were possessed by both Nations,—nor will the proof of identity stop there;—their mutual knowledge was also found in that science whereHeavenitself was, and is, the illuminated map of study,—where the Stars, as letters of fire, form the language of the Skies,—God Himselfbeing the Alpha and the Omega!
The sublime Science ofAstronomyclaims both Tyrus and Tyrian-America for her children and pupils,—the latter viewed, and solved the problem of the annual course of the glorious Sun (the chief worship),with as much accuracy (save a diurnal fraction) as the later, and more accomplished scholars and disciples,—Italy, Germany, and England.
In reference to historical evidence, and testimony, founded upon analogies and coincidences, the acute observer, Dr. Paley, says—
"The undesignedness of coincidences is to be gathered from their latency, their minuteness, their obliquity:—the suitableness of the circumstances in which they consist to the places in which those circumstances occur, and the circuitous references by which they are traced out, demonstrate that they have not been produced by meditation or by fraudulent contrivance; but coincidences from which these causes are excluded, and which are too close and numerous to be accounted for by accidental concurrence of fiction,—must necessarily have Truth for their foundation."
As this History of Ancient America is founded upon the great principle of the Baconian philosophy,—viz., Inductive reasoning,—i. e.facts, accumulated to prove a theory;—it therefore, follows, that the novel secrets of this History, arediscoveries, not inventions,—and they essentially are upheld, and supported, by the records of The Bible.
We submit to the opinion even of a sceptical reader, whether he does not, with the foregone proofs, believe our historical proposition,—viz.,That Tyrians were the first inhabitants of Ancient America, and the original builders of the now Ruined Cities and Temples?—butshould he believe, or even waver, the subsequent Book of this Volume (exemplifying thecauseandtime) will confirm his thought, or remove his doubt. Following our Scriptural motto, and instruction, we shall still obey that voice of advice:—
"For enquire, I pray thee,of the former Age,—and prepare thyself to the search oftheir Fathers; shall not they teach thee, and tell thee, and utter words out of their heart?" [Book of Job, viii. 8 and 10.]
THE INOVATIONS UPON THE CUSTOMS OF THE TYRIANSIN AMERICA EXPLAINED.
A small space will be sufficient for this explanation. Any innovation upon a National custom, demonstrates an anterior existence of that custom; and that the innovation, as a necessity, must follow, or be posterior in date to the custom innovated upon.
In ancient Mexican America (at the Spanish Conquest) there were Religious customs and National usages not essentially of the Tyrian character,—yet, through the vista of the innovations,—the "Daughter of Sidon" was still discernible,—like the Statue of Minerva in her Temple of the Acropolis, even after the Sons of Rome had innovated upon the customs of Attica.
All the innovations upon the ancient Tyrian customs in Mexican America are traceable to an Event, about three centuries and four score years after the Tyrians first touched at Florida,—an Event not to be investigated here, as it belongs essentially to the third Epoch, viz.,the introduction of Christianity:—but, to that fact may be traced the immediatecause, of many innovationsupon the Idolatrous customs of the Tyrians, in several parts of Ancient America,—it led even to alterations of the ornaments on their Temples, as will be shewn in establishing the Event so full of Religious veneration, and,—as a learned divine justly said, in receivingour proofof the third Epoch,—so fraught with Christian Sublimity.
END OF BOOK THE FIRST, OF VOLUME I.
EPOCH THE FIRST.
Book the Second.
———THE TYRIAN ÆRA;OR,THE FOUNDING OF ANCIENT AMERICA,CONTINUED.ANDHISTORICALLY ESTABLISHED,AS BEING IN THE YEAR 332 BEFORE CHRIST.
Horatio.
O day and night,—but this is wond'rous strange!
Hamlet.