BOOK OF NATURE LAID OPEN. 



ally, in magnitude, from that luminary; and, as it is 

 impossible that these bodies can shine from such a 

 distance with a reflected light, it has also been con- 

 cluded, that the fixed stars must be of the same na- 

 ture of the sun, and, like him, shine with their own 

 native lustre. 



The. Uses of the fixed Stars. 



f f Ask for what end these heavenly bodies shine; 

 Earth for whose use? Pride answers, 'tis for mine!'' 



" But do these worlds display their beams, or guide 

 Their orbs, to serve thy use, to please thy pride? 

 Thyself but dust, thy stature but a span, 

 A moment thy duration foolish man !" 



tc As well may the minutest emmet say, 



That Caucasus was rais'd to pave his way; 



The snail, that Lebanon's extended wood, 



Was destin'd only for his walk and food : 



The vilest cockle, gaping on the coast 



That bounds the ample seas, as well may boast 



The craggy rock projects above the sky, 



That he in safety at its feet may lie; 



And the whole ocean's confluent waters swell, 



Only to quench his thirst, or move and blanch his shell." 



As every part of the vast machine of the universe 

 seems wisely made? in some degree or other, sub- 

 servient to the whole, notwithstanding the vast dis- 

 tances of the stars from the earth, it would be ex- 

 tremely improper to deny that they may be, to a cer- 

 tain extent, useful to man. How often do they serve 



