COSM1CAL ARRANGEMENTS. 149 



construct and comprehend, than we find in the 

 structure of the bodies of animals, or even in the 

 causes of the weather. Moreover, we do not see 

 the immediate bearing of cosmical arrangements 

 on that end which we most readily acknowledge 

 to be useful and desirable, the support and 

 comfort of sentient natures : so that, from both 

 causes, the impression of benevolent design in 

 this case is less striking and pointed than that 

 which results from the examination of some other 

 parts of nature. 



But in considering the universe, according to 

 the view we have taken, as a collection of laws, 

 astronomy, the science which teaches us the laws 

 of the motions of the heavenly bodies, possesses 

 some advantages, among the subjects from which 

 we may seek to learn the character of the govern- 

 ment of the world. For our knowledge of the 

 laws of the motions of the planets and satellites is 

 far more complete and exact, far more thorough 

 and satisfactory, than the knowledge which we 

 possess in any other department of Natural 

 Philosophy. Our acquaintance with the laws of 

 the solar system is such, that we can calculate 

 the precise place and motion of most of its parts 

 at any period, past or future, however remote; 

 and we can j^fer the changes which take place 

 in these circumstances to their proximate cause, 

 the attraction of one mass of matter to another, 

 acting between all the parts of the universe. 



