THE EARTH. 121 



mathematical precision, we shall find it formed of 

 a number of small right lines, joining at angles 

 together. These angles, therefore, may be consi- 

 dered in a circle as mountains are upon our globe ; 

 and to demand the reason for the one being moun- 

 tainous, or the other angular, is only to ask why 

 a circle is a circle, or a globe is a globe. In short, 

 if there be no surface without inequality in na- 

 ture, why should we be surprised that the earth 

 has such ? It has often been said, that the ine- 

 qualities of its surface are scarcely distinguish 

 able, if compared to its magnitude ; and I think 

 we have every reason to be content with the 

 answer. 



Some, however, have avoided the difficulty by 

 urging the final cause. They allege that moun- 

 tains have been formed merely because they are 

 useful to man. This carries the inquirer but a 

 part of the way ; for no one can affirm that in all 

 places they are useful. The contrary is known, 

 by horrid experience, in those valleys that are 

 subject to their influence. However, as the uti- 

 lity of any part of our earthly habitation is a very 

 pleasing and flattering speculation to every phi- 

 losopher, it is not to be wondered that much has 

 been said to prove the usefulness of these. For 

 this purpose, many conjectures have been made 

 that have received a degree of assent even be- 

 yond their evidence ; for men were unwilling to 

 become more miserably wise. 



It has been alleged, as one principal advantage 

 that we derive from them, that they serve, like 

 hoops or ribs, to strengthen our earth, and to 



