Imágenes de página
PDF
ePub

shine by reflection as the planets, but by their own light. As we have much more light from the moon than from all the stars together, it is the greatest absurdity to imagine that the stars were made for no other purpose than to cast a faint light upon the earth, especially since there are so many stars which can only be seen by a telescope. From all this it is highly probable that each star is a sun to a system of worlds moving round it, though unseen by us.

The number of the stars visible to the naked eye is said to be as follows:-20 of the first magnitude, 65 of the second, 206 of the third, 486 of the fourth, 652 of the fifth, and 1424 of the sixth; making in the whole 2833. By the aid of telescopes, however, myriads of stars are seen which before were invisible.

De la Lande formed a catalogue of more than 50,000 stars: 188 have been counted in the pleiades, though there are only six seen by the naked eye. Many stars which appear single are discovered by the telescope to consist of two or more, and hence denominated double, triple, quadruple, and multiple stars. Mr. Whewell says there are 3000 and more double stars discovered already. There are about 100 constellations distributed over the heavens, and the stars in them are marked by the letters of the Greek and Roman alphabets, and by numerals. Besides the double and multiple stars, there are binary stars, which revolve round each other; periodic stars, which have a periodical increase and decrease of lustre; and coloured stars, where double stars partake of two different colours. This arises often by contrast; for if the brighter star is crimson, the other will assume a green appearance; if the brighter

star appear yellow, the other will assume a blueish tint. The former instance is exhibited by y, Andromedæ; the latter by v, Caneri. Some stars are continually moving in a straight line, as μ, Capiopeia ; some as B, in Cæti, are constantly increasing in splendour; and others, as d, Ursæ, as constantly diminishing. Several stars recorded by ancient astronomers are not now seen, while we see others not noticed in ancient catalogues.

6

Sir W. Herschell states our system to be in the centre of the Galaxy, or milky way,' which is an immense nebula of fixed stars. Of what extent must it be, if each star is as remote from its nearest as our sun appears to be. He also supposes that the starry firmament, instead of being scattered through indefinite space, may form a stratum, whose thickness is small in comparison to its length and breadth, and to resemble a narrow letter Y, in the centre of which is the Galaxy or milky way.

Besides those mentioned, there are also ' nebulæ' and 'globular clusters.' The latter sometimes consist of 10 or 20 thousand stars at least, compacted and wedged together in a round space. Nebulæ, according to Dr. Herschell, may consist of a selfluminous fluid, distributed through space in immense quantities, and that its various appearances may be caused by the various degrees of solidity it may have acquired through gravitation and rotation, until at length it forms either a comet or planet; or, being still further condensed, becomes a self-luminous star.

We have thus taken a slight view of the 'heavenly host,' which we find to consist of such an inconceivable number of suns, systems, and worlds, that we

find ourselves lost in the contemplation of the wonderful works of God. If, therefore, our solar system, as we before considered, with all its planets, &c. were annihilated, it would scarcely be a sensible blank in the universe. We may conclude, from what has been already stated, that the planets of our system, together with their satellites, are of nearly the same nature as our earth, and consequently inhabited. For they all have regular returns of seasons, and of day and night. Such of the planets, also, as are furthest removed from the sun, have satellites to revolve round and enlighten them; thus compensating for his diminution of light and heat. It is remarkable, that of all the bodies, that which we would naturally consider least habitable, viz. the sun, has been thought to be so by astronomers; while the moon, which we might consider most habitable, is thought to be the least so. This arises from her possessing little or no atmosphere or water. Still we must consider, that though we might not be able to reside in the globes of the sun, planets, &c., yet beings may be created by God, to whom they shall be perfectly adapted. We may therefore suppose, either that the creatures are made of a nature to inhabit these bodies, or that these bodies are suited and calculated for the residence of such creatures.

We will now conclude with a few remarks taken the sacred writers and eminent divines.1

They who view these wonders of creation,' with

1 Tully, the Roman philosopher, remarked, in his De Nat. Deorum, Shall we, when we see an artificial engine, a sphere, a dial, for instance, acknowledge, at first sight, that it is the work of art and understanding; and yet when we behold the heavens, make any doubt that these are performances not only of reason, but of a most excellent and divine reason?'

out ascribing glory to their Author, we may divide into two classes-those to whom these wonders of creation, as well as, we fear, God's tender appeals to mercy are totally lost; "who have eyes and see not," and "whose God is their belly." To these we would address the words of Elihu: "Remember that thou magnify his work, which men behold. Every man may see it, man may behold it afar off." Job xxxv. 24, 25.

"The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever. He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the Lord is gracious and full of compassion." Psalm cxi. 4-6.

But with regard to those who study day and night to fill their minds with all knowledge, and become conversant with all the works of creation, without reflecting at all on their great Creator; we may truly say, 'An undevout astronomer is mad.' St. Paul says, in his epistle to the Romans, (i. 20–22.) "For the invisible things of God, from the creation of the world, are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse. Because that when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful, but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened: professing themselves wise, they become fools."

Thus then we see that it is not sufficient to admire God's works, but we must also "look to the Maker thereof." Isaiah xxii. 11.

Dr. Waterland observes that the works of creation are the favourite topic which God is pleased to

insist upon most, whenever he would distinguish his own peculiar majesty and power above and beyond all the gods of the nations, or excite in his people the highest possible idea suitable to his transcendant excellency.'

The following are some of the many passages that occur in the sacred volume. Isaiah xl. 12—16, 26; xliv. 24; xlviii. 13. Job xxviii. 3-7, 18, 19, 31-33; xxvi. 14. Psalm civ. 1-3, 5, 24, 30-32.

Bishop Lowth remarks, that the true subject of praise, he most worthy of God, and the best adapted to impress upon the heart of man a fervent and permanent sense of piety, is drawn from the contemplation of his power in the creation of this boundless universe, his wisdom in arranging and adorning it, his providence in sustaining it, and his mercy in the regulation of the minutest parts, and in ordering and directing the affairs of men.'

We will conclude, in the words of Dr. Derham:'Since the works of creation are all of them so many demonstrations of the infinite wisdom and power of God, they may serve to us as so many arguments exciting to the constant fear of God, and to a steady, hearty obedience to all his laws. And thus we may make these works as serviceable to our spiritual interest, as they all are to our life and temporal interest. For if whenever we see them, we would consider that these are the works of our divine Lord and Master, to whom we are to be accountable for all our thoughts, words, and works, and that in these we may see his infinite power and wisdom; this would check us in sinning, and excite us to serve and please Him who is above all controul, and who hath our whole life and happiness in his power.'

« AnteriorContinuar »