72 THE ORIGIN OF CREATION", 



Our universe is a vast body of which the solar systems are 

 the inhabitants, and yet these are all so regulated in their move- 

 ments, the one with the other, that even the universe itself, as 

 far as we see it, may be but as a solar system, in a universe more 

 boundless still. 



Our solar system then, may be compared to an animal body 

 with a stomach the sun and the planets being different members 

 of it, all having regular arteries and channels to travel along, 

 and from which they cannot deviate. And just as the different 

 members, or parts of our bodies, are connected with blood, flesh > 

 and bones, so the planets are all connected with the sun, and 

 with each other, by their atmospheres ; a firm, although elastic, 

 and invisible material. 



This accounts, firstly, for their position. 



Secondly, their movements are regulated by the law of 

 MAGNETISM. 



We have shown that every atom is a magnet, every conglo- 

 meration of atoms, therefore, must also be a magnet. 

 The sun, planets, moons, and comets, are therefore magnets ; 

 and they act upon, reciprocate with, and attract and repel each 

 other. Thus it is that sometimes the earth approaches the sun, 

 and again recedes, yet still keeping its fixed course and 

 position. 



But the sun could not attract any planetary body close to, or 

 into itself, for it must be like unto the earth with its own 

 atmosphere ; every body and planet therefore, having its own 

 emanations, or atmosphere, enables it to keep its solid parts free > 

 and apart from every other body. 



Thirdly, the life action, producing heat, light, or electricity,, 

 and all other natural phenomena on the earth, is shown to be, 



