Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1858-11-17

nection with our system; but only seven
or eight hundred have been discovered -
AS to their nature little is known. Allow
me here to convey the information may
be able to give on this subject ID the con-
yersationaI form.
Question.-What is comet2
AnsDer.-A star with train of light
following it.
Q.-Has it always this train or tail
A.-Some have not; but they generally
have.
Q.-What is the star?
A planet like other stars, which
moves in its orbit and is governed by the
same laws which govern the motions Of all
other planets.
Q.-sWhGt is It's tail o train
A.-The most probable opinion is, that
it is a luminous atmosphere which sur
rounds the star, and from the effects of the
suns heat is expanded in direction oppo-
site the sun.
Q.-Is it not said that the heat of the
comet becomes exceedingly great as it ap-
proaches the sun?
Alt is so asserted by some and ac-
cording to the laws which govern heat in
its distances, &c, it would be so, were there
no local causes which might prevent such
result. 1t is probable, however, that the
nature of the atmosphere about the planet
is such as to prevent this. If it be not so,
it must be exposed to great extremes of
heat and cold in the opposite parts of its
orbit. This atmosphere expands the near
er it approaches the sun, and condeQses as
it recedes from it, and doubtless influences
the temperature Of the planet.
Q.-ls the approach of comet signi-
fcant of any calamity to the world?
A.-No more than the eclipses of the
sun and moon, or the waxing and waning
of Venus.
Q.-But is there not danger of its COM
ing in contact with the earth and thereby
destroying it?
A.-None. First, comets have been
moving ever since creation without such
aresult. Secondly. They, like all other
stars, have their appointed orbits, in which
they ever move, and the Almighty has ar
ranged every star and system of stars so
that there is no confusion and no collisions
in their courses. The earth would be just
as likely to be destroyed by any other
star, as by these comets, when we remem-
Der that God appointed it its course. 1t is
true they pass the plane of the earth's or
bit, but some one has calculated that the
earth has, (if we leave the whole to chance
two hundred and eighty one million chan
ees OF escape to +gne OF destruetiesi so
that in the hands of chance we are tolera-
bly, secure, and in the hand of Providence
safe.
Q.-What are the most remarkable
comets of modern times
A.-The comet Of 1880, 1852, 1911
1855. That of 1850 approached withir
one sixth of the suns diameter to his sur
face, which was about 100000 miles, O
$4,000 miles nearer the sun than the moor
is to the earth. 1t moved with velocit,
of $4,000 miles per hour and crosse,
the earth's orbit within 100000 miles 9
our planet.
This, believe, is about the substance Q
what would be interesting to the reader up
on this subject. If the comet has fright
ened you, calm your fears on that score
but remember, that destruction come
apace; death, eternity, judgment are be
fore you; get ready to die and then yo
will rejoice when you see the sign of tn
Son of man in the heavens, when he sha
come with power and great glory.
MANSE.
i Lexington. s, c.