the line about which it revolves must be fixed points upon its surface. This happy adaptation, in a case which allowed of infinite variety, affords in itself no inconsiderable presumption of design, if the state of the earth, when originally set in motion, were at all similar to its present state. If, however, it be considered that any argument in favour of design is, in this instance, excluded by the supposition that the earth assumed its present form when in a fluid state, it must be remembered that the very supposition introduces an additional evidence of a beneficial choice. For the same time of rotation, there are two forms, either of which a fluid spheroid might assume. Now, in every instance, the form of the planets differs but little from a sphere: and it may without difficulty be shewn, that this nearly spherical form is much better adapted for the equable diffusion of light and heat over their surfaces, than the far more eccentric form which would also have been compatible with the law of gravitation.

4. Besides, the permanence of the axis in fixed space is not alone sufficient to ensure a permanent inclination of that axis to the plane of the earth's orbit. That plane might itself be altered by the disturbance of the planetary bodies and very important changes would then take place, by the disturbance of the seasons.

But

The inclination of the plane of the earth's orbit to that of its equator is at present diminishing. Should that diminution continue unchecked, the variation of the seasons, at present so conducive to our comfort, and indeed so necessary to our existence, would eventually cease. the law, which has been so wisely selected for the variation of the force of gravity, precludes all liability to permanent alteration in the planetary system, from this cause. The inclination of the orbits of all the planets to a fixed plane, although subject to a slight variation from their mutual action, is restrained within certain limits much too small to occasion any sensible change in the distribution of light and heatg.

The magnitude, then, of the planetary orbits, their form, and their position, all remain from age to age, unaltered by the mutual action

of the bodies which compose the system. There is found a slight variation of the elements, a little play in the various parts of the mighty machine: but, considered as one fabric, it continues the same, retaining the motion which the hand of God impressed upon it at the creation; and proclaiming his power and

wisdom.

Mec. Celeste, Part. i. Liv. i. ch. vii. No. 59. 61. Woodhouse's Astron. vol. 11. ch. xxiii.

C

Now can this stability exist in the planetary system by chance? Can this result, flowing from the simple law of gravitation, be contemplated with coldness as a necessary consequence of the casual aggregation of inert matter? Shall it not rather incite us to lift up our thoughts to Him who selected this particular modification of the force, which connects so many parts, and regulates so many motions. He it was who "spake the word and they were made: he commanded, and they were created. He hath made them fast for ever and ever: He hath given them a law which shall not be broken."h

But the exquisite provision made in the law of gravity for the continuance of the system would have been made in vain, as far as regards the comfort and even the existence of creatures similar to those which now animate the face of the earth, unless the motions originally impressed upon that globe had been such as to cause it to describe nearly the path which it does describe. Doubtless we must not pretend to limit Omnipotence. The Creator might have peopled this earth with beings capable of existing under circumstances, which would have destroyed all the sentient creatures with which we are acquainted. Those very comets which

Ps. cxlviii. 8. according to the translation of "the Great Bible."

sometimes approach so near the sun, and at other times are removed to so great a distance from him, may perhaps be inhabited by beings of capacity to endure the great changes of light, and probably of heat, to which they are exposed. But the question with respect to the planetary globes, is this. Every analogy points them out as bodies similar to the earth which we inhabit. They are warmed and enlightened by the same sun. They have the same stars spread around them in the same order: they all describe orbits nearly of the same form: thus all revolve about the sun, and probably all about their own axes, in the same direction; and their axes are generally inclined to the plane of their respective orbits. They have therefore all similar vicissitudes of seasons, the same alternation of day and night. Now does not this similarity justify the conclusion, that their motions were studiously and purposely made what they are? Had there been no common design in the formation of the globes which compose this system, surely there would have been found the greatest variety in the forms and positions of the orbits; some variation in the direction of so many motions. Neither is it unphilosophical to conclude that the diffusion

The axis of the planet Jupiter is nearly perpendicular to the plane of its orbit.

of a nearly equable temperature over the surface of the planets, the distribution of periods of light and darkness, of cold and heat, of summer and winter, which is so necessary in our globe, and is attained in all the planets so simply, yet so beautifully, was intended to be attained, when the universe was created. But this could only be accomplished by a very nice adjustment of the velocity and direction with which each of these vast globes was originally impelled. Here therefore again is evidence of choice, selection, and design.

When, then, we contemplate the system in which we are placed, and consider the wonderful force which connects so many apparently detached masses; when we observe that the same force, which gives stability to objects upon the surface of the earth, confers upon every planetary body its globular form, and guides it with unerring certainty in its rapid course; that, by virtue of the particular law selected for the variation of that force at different distances, masses composed of innumerable attracting particles mutually influence each other by forces which vary in the same law; that the perturbations thus produced never become very considerable; and that all variations, which would, if continued, endanger the stability of the system, are only periodical: we are irre