, 1876-01-22

.
} elevate or dep,ess the insrumct. OF rotate i,
NJ all, let it point upward through the dome
for twenty y.four hours, (colld. .vest.ndit that
l0ng,) il We were able to count sixty each
minute, should we live aud count on for q
c,atury We could not cnumerate a milliontl'
part of the worlds that would pass across
the telescope field.
And remember we have not altered the in
strument. We have as yet only seen n mar.
row belt, u neresribbon OF space. in the broad
cxlanse of M illimtable Universe Elevate
or dcpress the instrument rotate the dome,
increase the focal distance, direct to any
point OF the compass, any quarter of the hcav
ems, and you bring into view, untold myriads
OF worlds moving in harmony and concord
marching and countermarching in every
imaginable direction, without the slightest
jar, grating or tremur OF the divine machine
ry, by which they are kept etcrnally rolling
ON their trackcss course.
Bear in mind. also, that every six months
we are brought TO the opposite side Of the
earths orbit orc hundred and eighty millions
of miles from the initial point and every
where through the space we have travelled
no matter which way, at anytime We look
around US VIC are astOnishcd, awe struck BY
the innumerable multitude OF shining orbs
that burst upou our wondering vision. For
yet not, that all the planets OF our solar sys
ten, are ever rolling forward in their immea,
surablc orbit around, rs yet, an undetermn-
ed centre. Every day, as We are whirlcd
along new systems are brought into view and
pass on, of sight, like brIgadcs OF troops pass
ing in grand review before their commander
| in chief
We should also take into account the great
Improvement in astronomical instruments
since tue days of the early astronomers. The
glasses OF Ross and Newton's day were mere
toys compared with the great twenty eight
inch ghssrs with their one hundred it, focal
distances of our time. We can see thou
Galleco or any his contemporaries Every
perfection that increases the power Of astro-
nomical instruments, brings into view other
planets, worlds and systems, Invisible by
the older and less perfect instruments. Thus
we know that sDace IS iIlmitabie that there
is neither chaOs or roid-the universe is abso,
lutcly without end. None but the Eternal
can number his works or comprehend their
magnitude. Could we gather together every
leaf OF the forests OF our globe, and enumer-
ate them, multiply them 10y every blade OF
srass that clothes the vale, dell, meadow and
hilrtop with perennial green, then multiply |
this product hy every grain Of sand that com
poses the solids of the earth, and that again
10y every drop OF water that constitutes the
oceans vast depths, that complicated prod
net would only he an intnitcsimal part of
the number of worlds and systems which
cternally revolvc in the unreasonable regions
OF space ~ 80 *ra4 /
Astronomers are seldom inidcs. The cv'
licences OF design, OF onnipotent law,multi-
ply at every step in the delightful study.
of divine omuipotence could
perfect such order, create such nagnifcence,
and sublimity as the golden lamps
of heaven reveal Every where in space We
behold worlds aud systems, Mt distances in
caculable, sustained by forces imponderable
and imcomprehensible, which nothing could
conceive but minute perfection. The poetic
idea that tle first draughts from the Pyer- !,
ian fountain, prodnce intoxication,i is verified
by the student of astronomy. The first les
'en, the first views through the telescope do
produce confusion, intoXicatOn- paticntt
mathematical calculations, careful
observation and research, soon deduces order,
method and design, 50 admirable, that sober
reason returns, laden with awe, alteration
md sublime, exalted thought, Nobler ini-
DressiOns take hold Of the heart. Higher as
Diratons thrill the soul. Reason becomes
lisipinc' Charity enlargcs Our utter in'
Ngniiicance becomes apparent Chincras
md supcrstions vanish like dreamy myths
The word.painted universe has become a re-
'lity The Deity fixed ideality, for have
We not been permitted to view His handi-
yorkl The alarming doctrine OF the des-
rnction of our earth, the perpetual night !
mare OF benighted minds, disturbs not the ,
astronomer; he kHows beyond doubt or encn r
hat the universe is constructed on plan OF ,
nhnite perfection. When our own insight.
ant planet one Of The smallest, ceases TO no
it will have fnliiled its creators
lesigns, in accordance with a plan known :
rom the beginning and in obedience to fix =,
N immutable lava law, unalterable, be- 4,
ause omnipotently perfect; framed by the /
liyine arcbItecl Of the heavens, when space n
vas chaos, q void, and every where vas spread n
pail OF universal night.
There 10 neither sun, moon, star, planet, II