234 OENERAL VIEW OF NATUEE. 



be matter because we observe them to be subject to the laws 

 which govern matter ; and we have been able by the discov- 

 eries of astronomers to understand their various revolutions ; 

 we have, in general, clearer ideas of their motions than even of 

 our own planet ; it is more easy for us to imagine them a& 

 moving, than that our firm earth is whirling with inconceiva- 

 ble velocity. Were it possible for us to conceive the quantity 

 of matter which even one world as large as our sun contains, 

 the thought would be overwhelming ; — and of all the worlds 

 which we beliold at one view in a serene night, what finite be- 

 ing can imagine their united extent? They are susjDended 

 over our heads each one pursuing its destined course ; why do 

 we not fear that some one may be precipitated upon our little 

 world and crush it to atoms ? It is because we know that they 

 are all upheld by that Power which " created the heavens and 

 the earth," and who governs the universe by regular laws. 

 This universe is as infinite as the God wlio formed it/ our sun^ 

 with all its systems^ is hut a point lost in immensity. Astrono- 

 mers have proved that the fixed stars are at such an immense 

 distance from us, that moving at the rate of 500 miles an hour 

 we should not reach the nearest of them in TOO, 000 years, a 

 distance more than 200,000 times greater than that of the sun 

 from the earth. Space no less distant, probably, separates all 

 the fixed stars. Around tliose stars revolve millions of opaque 

 glotes^ as our earth revolves around the sun which is also one 

 of the fixed stars. The satellites describe around the primary 

 planets almost circular orbits ; they are carried with their pri- 

 maries around the sun in their annual motion. The sun him- 

 self with all his numerous train of primary planets.^ each vnth 

 its satellites^ revolves around the common center of gravity oj" 

 the firmed star Si, of which., himself., constitutes ajpnrt ', and these 

 are supposed to revolve around the center of the universe. Here 

 may he the throne of the Almighty Creator amd Director of all 

 these stupendous objects. 



369. Yet we need not fear that we shall be forgotten in the 

 immensity of creation ; the same Being who created and rules 

 the host of heaven, made the little moss and the lilies of the 

 field which are so beautifully arrayed. If God condescends to 

 care for them, he will not neglect us who are made in his own 

 image, and destined to an immortal existence. 



Turning our thoughts from the heavenly host to our own 

 little globe, and considering the matter which exists upon it, 

 we find two great classes of substances ; 1st, inorganized.^ and 

 2d, organized. 



370. The 1st class of substances ^yiz..^^\\.Q]i as are inorganized^ 



36{l, pnbsfancps divided into two classes. — 370. First class of snbstances. 



