CIRCULATION OF MATTER. 437 



1078. Every planet that surrounds with 



What further 



influence has its orbit the great centre of our system, is 

 equally dependent upon his influence. 

 Held in their courses by his attraction, and encircling 

 him in ceaseless revolution, they draw from the parent 

 orb the strength and beauty which clothes their 

 lesser spheres. What wonder, that in vague acknowl- 

 edgement of his influence, heathen have acknowledged 

 the sun as their God, and worshipped at his shrine. 

 How natural that Christian nations should find in his 

 life-giving power, a fitting emblem of the glory and 

 beneficence of the great Father of the Universe, by 

 whom all suns and systems, are, and were created. 



