e

that many of these bodies are far greater than the globe which we inhabit, and are accompanied with several satellites, which perform around them their regular courses. We are thus led to contemplate the whole solar system. We observe its primary and secondary planets all revolving in the same direction, both in their orbits and probably about their own axes, and with little deviation from one plane; all united by the same invisible force; all warmed and illuminated by the same central body; those nearest to the sun moving on in their course unaccompanied with satellites; but those more distant having moons to give light by night, and to be for times and seasons and for days and years. Around one of them are extended stupendous rings, spanning the vault of the heaven, as seen from the surface of the planet, and generally enlightening a part of it by the reflection of the solar rays. We must also consider the numerous comets which have been already observed; moving in free space to distances far greater even than the most remote planet, and again hurried into the immediate vicinity of the sun. We thus contemplate a scheme of vast extent, upon which unity and grandeur of

• The secondaries of the planet Herschel move in orbits nearly perpendicular to the plane of the ecliptic.

design are evidently impressed. We see all these bodies moving in their respective courses without confusion, all obeying one law impressed upon them by their Creator's act, and still continued by his will.

By thus applying those measures of distance with which we are familiar, we can form a sufficiently distinct idea of the distances and magnitudes of the several parts which compose the system in which we dwell. But how shall we conceive the power necessary originally to launch such stupendous masses in their respective directions; and now to control their motions by a constant although invisible agent? How shall we conceive the wisdom which appointed them a law which shall not be broken; which foresaw and provided for all contingencies arising from their mutual action: and fitted them for the abode of sentient, and probably of rational creatures?

II. But beyond the solar system, in which we are placed, we still observe numerous other bodies. When we lift up our eyes, on a serene night, we behold the stars studded, apparently without order, over the vault of heaven. When the sight is aided by artificial means, new wonders are discovered. Thousands of stars appear which are invisible to the unassisted eye. Many which appear single, are found to be com

some stars sur

pounded of two or more stars. There are observed collections of apparently luminous matter, which the most powerful telescope cannot distinguish as separate stars: rounded with a bright atmosphere; others surrounded by systems of planetary bodies: and many evidently revolving about their own axes. Here then are sufficient indications that the stars are bodies not very dissimilar to the sun which illuminates our world. Their light is of the same nature, reflected and refracted by the same laws, and moving with the same velocity as the solar light. But the chasm which we overleap in order to pass from the sun to the fixed stars is inconceivably great, compared with any distances with which we are conversant in considering our own system. It is a fact capable of demonstration, that if we could traverse the realms of space, and reach the nearest of these fixed stars, we should be able to discern the sun only as one of the stars of heaven. And even a luminous globe, the diameter of which was equal to that of the orbit which the earth annually describes about the sun, would at such a distance appear, to eyes constituted as ours are, but as a bright point.

III. But even if we reached one of those heavenly bodies, we should still be far from having approached the boundaries of the crea

tion. The whole of the starry heavens, clearly visible by the assistance of the best telescopes, in all probability forms comparatively a very small part of the universe. The stars appear to be collected in clusters, or arranged in strata, each composed of perhaps millions of bodies, and every one of these the center of numerous planetary worlds. The starry heavens, which we perceive, are that portion of the works of God which is clustered immediately round ourselves. But as the powers of observation are continually improved, the telescope brings to view successive series of similar groups. If the eye could be placed in the midst of one of them, it would perceive other stars arranged in some new order; while the whole of that which now forms the glorious spectacle of our skies, would be seen, if seen at all, only as a nebulous spot of indistinct whiteness, scarcely discernible amidst the apparent infinity of the heavenly bodies. "

f

These conceptions, magnificent as they are, are not the fruit of an excited imagination; they are the realities of demonstrative science, founded upon accurate observation of the universe around us. Man has been endued by his Creator with mental powers capable of cultivation. He has employed them in the study of

f See Herschel on the construction of the heavens. Phil. Trans. 1785. Art. xii. 1811. Art. xvi.

the wonderful works of God which the universe displays. His own habitation has provided a base which has served him to measure the heavens. He compares his own stature with the magnitude of the earth on which he dwells; the earth with the system in which it is placed; the extent of the system with the distance of the nearest fixed stars: and that distance again serves as an unit of measurement for other distances which observation points out. Still no approach is made to any limit. How extended these wonderful works of the

Almighty may

be, no man can presume to say. The sphere of creation appears to extend around us indefinitely on all sides; "to have its centre every where, its circumference no where." "

These are considerations which from their extent almost bewilder our minds. But how should

8" Tout ce que nous voyons du monde n'est qu'un trait imperceptible dans l'ample sein de la nature. Nulle idée n'approche de l'étendue de ses espaces. Nous avons beau enfler nos conceptions, nous n'enfantons que des atomes au prix de la réalité des choses. C'est une sphère infinie dont le centre est partout, la circonférence nulle part." Pascal, Pensées. Prem. Partie, Art. iv. Pascal is said, by Voltaire, to have adopted this idea from Timæus of Locris. The Editor of Pascal's works, 1821, ascribes it to Hermes Trismegistus. The Pensées were published in 1669: and the same expression is used in John Clieveland's petition to Oliver Cromwell in 1655. "Rulers within the circle of their government have a claim to that which is said of the Deity: they have their center every where and their circumference nowhere."