36 Astronomy and Geology compared. PT. i. 



motion of the planet Uranus. But the calculations 

 of astronomers prove that none of these irregularities 

 permanently derange the system; they are com- 

 pensated for in the whole action, and the stability 

 of the system is never permanently affected by 

 them. 



The researches of astronomers have never found 

 in any part of this glorious scheme the principle of 

 decay ; those who entertain a firm belief in the 

 existence of the Great First Cause, acknowledge 

 indeed with reverence and awe that He who created 

 this great work of His omnipotence could, if He so 

 pleased, destroy it ; but there is no indication what- 

 ever to be found of such a purpose ; as far as 

 human knowledge and foresight extend, our Solar 

 System bears the evidence of being eternal. We 

 may remark that, as there is no perceptible symptom 

 of the germ of decay, so, on the other hand, we can 

 never discern any mark of progress ; no fifth satel- 

 lite is in process of formation to add to the light of 

 Jupiter, nor is Mars furnished with a moon, although, 

 his being more remote from the Sun than the Earth, 

 he may consider himself as somewhat unfairly 

 treated ; the numerous asteroids, or small frag- 

 mentary planets, which float in the large vacant 



