84 GRAVITATION. 



phenomenon 1 No explanation ever has been, probably 

 none can be given, none is needed. The true state 

 of the case is in all probability this : The Creator has 

 determined that any two portions of matter placed at 

 any distance from each other, shall tend to approach ; 

 and by his own direct agency he carries continually this 

 determination into effect. This is all. Not only nothing 

 more has been discovered, but probably there is nothing 

 more to discover. In regard to gravitation, we probably 

 know the whole. It is one of the few cases when the 

 human mind has finished its work. It has reduced the 

 various and complicated phenomena to one single and 

 most simple principle, and the operation it is most philo- 

 sophical to refer to the Being ' who upholdeth all things 

 by the word of his power.'* 



LAWS OP GRAVITATION. 



It remains to point out some simple particulars of the 

 manner in which the principle of gravitation operates, 

 and one who has not much considered the ultimate sim- 

 plicity which reigns in nature will be surprised at their 

 statement. 



The gravitating influence, then, which any portion of 

 matter exerts, may be considered in the following par- 

 ticulars : 



1. It cannot be interrupted or changed. 



2. It is the same upon every species of matter. 



3. It is the same at every distance. 



It may seem singular to present seriously and formally 

 such propositions as these, which only state the unchange- 

 



* We use the word probable, frequently in these remarks, because 

 it would be rash to say positively that no intervening link can be 

 discovered between the cause and the effect in this case. But 

 when we consider that if such a link could be discovered, its own 

 connexions must be sustained by the agency of the Supreme, and 

 when we consider the simplicity and uniformity of the operation of 

 this law, we may, until clear evidence to the contrary is presented, 

 safely consider ourselves as having in this instance arrived at 

 Primordial Law of JYature. 



