BOOK OP NATURE LAID OPEN. 209 



immeasurable depths of ether, and running their ap- 

 pointed courses! Our eyes may hereafter be strong 

 enough to command this magnificent prospect, and 

 our understandings able to find out the several uses 

 of these great parts of the universe; in the meantime, 

 they are very proper objects for our imagination to 

 contemplate, that we may form more extensive no- 

 tions of infinite wisdom and power, and learn to 

 think humbly of ourselves, and of all the little works 

 of human invention." 



CHAP. XXI. 



THE FIXED STARS. 



- l This prospect vast, what is it? Weigh'd aright, 



'Tis Nature's system of Divinity ; 



And ev'ry student of the night inspires. 



'Tis eider scripture writ by God's own hand." 



WHAT a glorious prospect does night unfold when 

 she draws aside her sable curtains, and displays to 

 the contemplative mind the azure canopy of the hea- 

 vens bedecked with stars ! We need not wonder at 

 the expression of the poet : 



" Devotion ! daughter of Astronomy ! 

 An undevout astronomer is mad I" 



Tor who can take even the most transitory glance 



of these glowing beauties, on a fine frosty evening; 



T 2 



