Another quotation from Ezekiel is reserved for the next Section, to illustrate the Expedition.
In the Book of Jonah, the very cause of the East-Wind (i. e. heat) is given by the Prophet of Nineveh,—not given as an explanation, but as an attendant fact,—after 2700 years Science gives the former, by an application of the fact, and thus establishes another proof of the truth of Scriptural record.
"And it came to pass, when the Sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement East-wind: and the Sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and wished in himself to die, and said, It is better for me to die than to live." [iv. 8.]
Presuming that this branch of our subject has been sufficiently explained,—a slight review of the Tyrian vessels will be required, for the purpose of ascertaining whether they were of sufficient size and strength to endure this voyage around the Continent of Africa; and at a later period to cross the Atlantic Ocean. One examination will answer for both questions.
The Tyrians had two species of large vessels. The earliest were the Gauli, so called from being nearly round, and used for coasting purposes, between Tyrus and the neighbouring ports,—this species of Galley had a sail and a few oars. The superior vessels for long voyages were Galleys of a much larger class, and oblong in shape,—they had one, two, or three banks of oars, in addition to one or two very large square-sails. The rows of oarsmen (hence the name of rowers to this time, although the mode of working has passed away) were so placed on their banks or seats, as to be all seen by the officer of the deck,—for the centre of the Galley was open down nearly to the ballast. They all kept time, and moved together, by watching the action of the officer (at the stern of the vessel) having the command of the rowers,—or by singing,—hence, we apprehend, arose the marine name,—Mer-chants, i. e. Singers of the Sea,—for the name is first applied in Scripture to the Tyrians.
It has already been shewn that a Tyrian navy was built for King Solomon nearly four hundred years before this period, and that it returned from India in safety. Of the size of those vessels there is no record; but from the character of the Voyage, conclusions may be formed, as also of those employed in the Expedition now under consideration. From the following data a satisfactory deduction will be obtained: viz.—The Galley in which St. Paul embarked at his reshipment, and that, too, belonging to the Tyrian side of the Mediterranean, contained two hundred and seventy-six human beings,—consequently it was from 400 to 500 tons burden. "And we were in all, in the ship, two hundred, three score, and sixteen souls." [Acts xxvii. 37.]
The Tyrian Galleys, as we have shewn, had not only large sails, but many Rowers,—so that calm weather was no hindrance to their progress. The "hundred oars" took the place of Steam, as now employed upon the Ocean, to be used in all weathers, and consequently independent of the sail,—the latter being used as the wind would permit. The Sail was generally employed only before the wind, or slightly on the quarter,—otherwise the pressure of the wind upon the sail would heave one side of the vessel down, and consequently drown the oars, while the opposite rowers would be useless, from their oars being out of water. The great force with which the ancient rowers could propel their Galleys, may be gathered from the naval engagement of Salamis (the "Nile" of the Greeks), where their prow-beaks were driven into the sides of the Persian vessels,—and thus grappled, they boarded the invaders, and fought hand to hand; while many of the Persian Galleys were run down, and instantly sunk by the force and impetuosity of the Rowers, who, be it remembered, were like the Tyrians, not "slaves at the oar," but the freemen of their respective nations.
The vessels were also capacitated to carry sufficient provisions for long voyages; and in this Expedition, which was to circumnavigate the Continent of Africa, the Tyrians would consequently keep in sight of land,—for by coasting only, could their peculiar object be accomplished; and therefore the food to be obtained by fishing (their favourite pursuit) near the shores would alone have been ample. Fresh water, also, from the coasting character of the voyage, would be always within their reach.
Thus it has been shewn that the Pilots and Mariners were competent, the Galleys capacious, strong, and swift, and provisions and water abundant. The King of Egypt had wished for the expedition; Eth-baal of Tyrus, had furnished the material; both Monarchs threw into the scale of inclination the weight of their wealth and power; and in the indomitable pride of the Tyrians was the security that it would be accomplished. Herodotus states, that it was successful. His assertion is not denied by any Historian, and from what has been quoted in regard to his accuracy, it cannot be impeached. We shall now proceed to a description of the Voyage, and the production of additional proofs,—the supposed track of the expedition, and the discoveries,—and for convenience of reference, modern terms will be generally employed.