COSMOLOGICAL THEORIES. 117 



such a strong inclination to the idea of absolute vacuity in the 

 interplanetary spaces, it not only fails to provide such a me- 

 dium, but, in effect, discountenances the idea that such exists. 

 In the theory which we have maintained in the preceding 

 pages, however, the medium in question, is abundantly pro- 

 vided. 



Moreover, the system as conceived by Newton can not, after 

 all, be contemplated without some degree of apprehension in 

 regard to its safety. For, notwithstanding the figurings of sub- 

 sequent mathematicians respecting the reaction which tends to 

 restore lost equilibrium, if we do away with the immediate 

 immanence of Divine Vitality in other words, with the im- 

 mediate presence and agency of that degree of the Divine Es- 

 sence and Power of which the universe forms a suitable 

 habitation, and which is necessary to the life and functional 

 operations of the latter as of one Body then there are many 

 chances against the existence of an absolute equilibrium in the 

 different parts and forces of the great Whole : and if there is 

 ever a disturbance of the equilibrium to an extent which can 

 not be entirely restored by a counter oscillation, even though 

 this be only the fraction of the weight of a planet, or even the 

 amount of a single pound, the disturbance will progressively 

 aggravate, and a universal catastrophe will be the final and 

 inevitable result ! 



If, therefore, the stability of the universe depends merely 

 upon the nice counterpoise of the centrifugal and centripetal 

 forces, as independent of this constant Divine Force, and of 

 any elastic, active, and reactive medium to keep the various 

 celestial bodies within prescribed boundaries, then human rea- 

 son can not withhold the suspicion of danger as it contem- 

 plates the stupendous Machine, or suppress the apprehension 

 that it may one day fly to pieces, and involve us all in the 



