NATURAL THEOLOGY. 13 



CHAPTER XXII. 



ASTRONOMY.* 



My opinion of Astronomy has always been that 

 it is not the best medium through which to prove 

 the agency of an intelHgent Creator ; but that, 

 this being proved, it shows, beyond all other sci- 

 ences, the magnificence of his operations. The 

 mind which is once convinced, it raises to sub- 

 limer views of the Deity than any other subject 

 affords ; but it is not so well adapted as some oth- 

 er subjects are to the purpose of argument. We 

 are destitute of the means of examining the con- 

 stitution of the heavenly bodies. The very simpli- 

 city of their appearance is against them. We see 

 nothing but bright points, luminous circles, or the 

 phases of spheres reflecting the light which falls 

 upon them. Now we deduce design from rela- 

 tion, aptitude, and correspondence o^ parts. Some 



* For the articles of this chapter marked with an asterisk, I am 

 indebted to some obhging communications received (through the 

 hands of the Lord Bishop of Elphin,) from the Rev. J. Brinkley, 

 M. A., Andrew's Professor of Astronomy in the University of 

 DubUn. — {J^ote of the Jluthor.) — [Professor Brinkley was after- 

 wards, as is well known. Bishop of Cloyne. His lordship, upon 

 being made acquainted with the plan of the present publication, 

 kindly communicated the notes now added, and which are marked 

 with his name.] 



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