| 857 that we have concluded to bring together a few ideas relating to the history of those regions for further reflection.
The region under the name of Oceanica, embracing a vast number of Islands in the north and south Pacific ocean, contains about 4,600,000 square miles of land independent of water; and, at least 18,000,000 of inhabitants, most of whom are heathens; especially so, if we let the injuries to their morals, brought about by the introduction of spiritous [spirituous] liquors, gambling, debauchery, and other sins, by white men and Christendom, have any weight in the scale of calculation.
This region is subdivided into three grand divisions, viz: Malaysia; Australasia, and Polynesia. Malaysia lies south of China, and comprises the following Islands and groups:-Sumatra, Java, Borneo, (the largest of this division) Phillipine [Philippine] Islands, Celebes, Spice Islands, Sooloo Islands, Timo, Florris, Sumbawa, &c.-They all lie near the equator in north and south latitude.
Australasia, the second division, lies southeast of the former, and south of the equator, as far as 50 degrees of south latitude, and comprises, Australia (the largest) Van Diemen's land, New Zealand, New Guinea, New Britain, New Hebrides and New Caledonia. Australia is the great depot for the transportation of British convicts.
The third and last, Polynesia, lies east of the other two, and east of the continent of Asia, and comprises all the lesser Islands in the Pacific, both in north south latitude, viz: the Sandwich, the Massachusetts, the Archipellago , Drake's Philadelphia, Magellan's and a few other Islands lie in the north Pacific; and the Ladrone, Caroline, Central Archipella, Washington, Marquesas, Society and Georgian Group, among which are Tahiti and Tooboui, Cook's Austral, Panmotu, Gambia, Navigator's, Vavan, Habaai, Tongta, Feejee, and many other Islands lie in the south Pacific.
Tahiti in the south Pacific, and Owyhee in the north Pacific, are the most important amongst the nations, though Australia and Borneo are by far the largest.
The climate and productions of these Islands are favorable to the great plan of the Almighty-viz-the gathering of his elect in the last days, for "REST" promised before the foundation of the world.
There is another event just transpired to help on the work. The United States have made arrangements, with the government of New Grenada to carry a mail across the Isthmus of Darien at the city of Panama, whereby we can forward letters to those Islands in less than half the usual time. Every thing operates for the good and glory of God when he will, and so we congratulate the saints on the near approach of the great day when the whole host of Israel, together with all the righteous, will come home to spend a Jubilee with God.
A SHORT CHAPTER ON A LONG SUBJECT.
After the flood and after Ham had dishonored the holy priesthood, Noah awoke from his wine and knew what his younger son Ham, had done unto him. And, as the priesthood descended from father to son, he delivered the following curse and blessing, as translated by King James' wise men and recorded in Genesis:
"And he said, cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants shall he be unto his brethren."
"And he said, blessed be the Lord God of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant."
"God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant."
History and common observation show that these predictions have been fulfilled to the letter. The descendants of Ham, besides a black skin which has ever been a curse that has followed an apostate of the holy priesthood, as well as a black heart, have been servants to both Shem and Japheth, and the abolitionists are trying to make void the curse of God, but it will require more power than man possesses to counteract the decrees of eternal wisdom.
Again Shem or his descendants were blessed with receiving the revelations, prophets, and Savior:-A blessing truly which even the most sagacious infidel has not been able to explain away.
Again, Japheth has dwelt in Shem's tent, both in the land of Canaan and in America; for "tents" is a figurative expression which in Hebrew, would signify the residence or abode.
Now our short chapter will soon end, for the Savior said Jerusalem should be trodden down till the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled, and the very movement of every nation shows the eternal truth of the above quoted passage of scripture. It frustrates the designs of sectarians; it chokes the deists; astonishes the world, and delights the saints-Amen.
FROM THE EAST.
From the Prophet and other sources, we receive the most gratifying intelligence from the branches of the church in the eastern section of the Lord's vineyard. In the city of New York the meetings are well attended; union and joy prevails, and twenty were baptised [baptized] in one evening
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