32 The Universe. 



Lastly of the earth on which we dwell, 

 Speck as this may appear in the im- 

 mensity of creation, it is nevertheless to 

 us of the highest importance; we only 

 wish to obtain a knowledge of other pla- 

 ne ts % and systems, that we may find out 

 their relation to this, and from thence 

 learn our connection with the universe at 

 large. 



The external part of the earth either 

 exhibits inequalities, as mountains and 

 valleys ; or it is plane and level ; or dug 

 in channels, fissures, beds, &c. for rivers, 

 lakes, seas, &c. These inequalities in 

 the face of the globe most naturalists 

 suppose have arisen from a rupture or 

 subversion of the earth, by the force ei- 

 ther of the subterraneous fires or waters. 

 The earth in its natural and original state, 

 It has been supposed by Des Cartes, and 

 after him Burnet, Steno, Woodward, 

 Whiston and others, was perfectly round, 

 smooth, and equable ; and they account 

 for its present rude and irregular form, 

 principally from the great deluge ; but 

 from whatever cause those inequalities 

 may have arose, or at what period, they 

 seem a necessary part of the econonr 



