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Letter to Editor
December 26, 1766
The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle
Portsmouth, Greenland, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
In London on September 14, a letter to the printer describes the planet Mars' closest approach to Earth in ages, per astronomers' calculations, dismissing astrological portents of war or misfortune and affirming that only human sin would prompt God to withdraw divine providence.
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LONDON, September 14.
TO THE PRINTER.
THIS day, according to the calculations of some eminent astronomers, the planet Mars approached nearer, by Two millions of miles, to the Earth, than it has for ages past. According to this calculation, its approach was nearer to the Earth than in the year 1429, by 338,000 miles: and it was 3 times and two thirds nearer than its nearest approximation to the Sun, being in absolute numbers 93,200. -- This striking phenomenon is, by an ingenious astronomer, thought to be the criterion of an offended Deity. -- Although astrologers, and such as delight to search too curiously into the sacred decrees of the Almighty, may perhaps prognosticate that so near an approach of this warlike planet portends wars, bloodshed, or some other great misfortune to our planet, yet we have the highest authority to rest entirely satisfied, that nothing but the wilful, impenitent transgressions of mankind; will ever induce the omnipotent Creator, in whom we live, move, and have our being, to withdraw that over ruling Providence by which this world has, from its first creation, been solely preserved.
A.
TO THE PRINTER.
THIS day, according to the calculations of some eminent astronomers, the planet Mars approached nearer, by Two millions of miles, to the Earth, than it has for ages past. According to this calculation, its approach was nearer to the Earth than in the year 1429, by 338,000 miles: and it was 3 times and two thirds nearer than its nearest approximation to the Sun, being in absolute numbers 93,200. -- This striking phenomenon is, by an ingenious astronomer, thought to be the criterion of an offended Deity. -- Although astrologers, and such as delight to search too curiously into the sacred decrees of the Almighty, may perhaps prognosticate that so near an approach of this warlike planet portends wars, bloodshed, or some other great misfortune to our planet, yet we have the highest authority to rest entirely satisfied, that nothing but the wilful, impenitent transgressions of mankind; will ever induce the omnipotent Creator, in whom we live, move, and have our being, to withdraw that over ruling Providence by which this world has, from its first creation, been solely preserved.
A.
What sub-type of article is it?
Informative
Philosophical
Religious
What themes does it cover?
Science Nature
Religion
What keywords are associated?
Mars Approach
Astronomers Calculations
Divine Providence
Astrology Warnings
Religious Reassurance
Planetary Phenomenon
What entities or persons were involved?
A.
To The Printer.
Letter to Editor Details
Author
A.
Recipient
To The Printer.
Main Argument
while some interpret mars' close approach as a sign of divine offense or impending wars, true misfortune arises only from humanity's willful sins, as god's providence sustains the world unless withdrawn for impenitence.
Notable Details
Mars Approached Earth By Two Million Miles Closer Than For Ages Past
Nearer Than In 1429 By 338,000 Miles
Three Times And Two Thirds Nearer Than Its Closest To The Sun (93,200 Miles Absolute)
Ingenious Astronomer Views It As Criterion Of Offended Deity
Astrologers Prognosticate Wars Or Misfortune From Warlike Planet
References 'In Whom We Live, Move, And Have Our Being'