146 On the Formation of the Universe. 



mation. Under the last mentioned conditions, only one 

 other mode of formation is possible. It might take place 

 in plane parallel strata, perpendicular to the course of pro- 

 gress, in the aame manner as in the finite ocean, where a 

 disiurbins; force was required; and it is alike obvious in 

 both cases, that the strata would be regular. With this lat- 

 ter hypothesis the structure of the heavens appears to agree. 

 The fynshaped arrangement of strata, mentioned by Dr. 

 Herschel, may appear at first to indicate the contrary ; but 

 a moment's reflection on the principles of perspective will 

 show that these strata may, notwithstanding, be parallel. 

 We are accustomed to find a correspondence between the 

 power and the operations of a wise moral agent; and it is 

 certainly no weak argument in favour of an infinite universe, 

 that a finite one would fall infinitely short of the power of 

 the Deity. It would leave his angelic subjects without any 

 practical proof of his complete omnipotence. It seems al- 

 so he most consistent and exalted conception respecting a 

 wise moral agent, that his work is never terminated, and 

 that the power which he poss^ssc/s is for ever exerted. 

 From reasoning a priori, then, it seiems a very natural con- 

 clusion, that each act of creative power is expanded through 

 an infinite plane, and that the successive acts form an eter- 

 nal scri s. If this idea appears too grand, let it be remem- 

 bered that it is formed respecting the works of the Deity. 

 Metaphysical reasoning, however, is not the only ground on 

 which our opinions on this subje«-t may be founded. We 

 see the celestial systems arranged into forms which are ut- 

 terly u,;accountable. unless their formation has been pro- 

 gressive. The account which Dr. Ht-rschel has given, is 

 only placing one difficulty on the shoulders of another: for 

 it is not less impracticable to account for the position of 

 those ruling luminaries, which he supposes may have mar- 

 shalled the starry hosts of smaller magnitude, into their 

 present regular arrangement, than to account for that ar- 

 rangement without such assistance. If the formation 

 into systems has been progressive, we are perfectly at a 

 loss to say where it began, or where it will terminate. 

 By far, the most natural supposition, is, that it will have no 

 termination, and had no commencement. If the universe is 

 finite, it is obvious, that without a constant miracle, of 

 which we find not the least indication, so far as observation 



