On the Formation of the Universe. 147 



can carry us, it cannot be permanent, till the whole is col- 

 lected together in one vast mass at the common centre of 

 gravity. In like manner, if the creation of matter from 

 nothing, constantly preceded its formation into worlds, a 

 constant miracle would be necessary to prevent them from 

 forever approaching each other, by gravitation from empty 

 space towards the boundless ocean of worlds already crea- 

 ted. If we suppose that matter has been eternal, and still 

 perfectly dependent on the Deity for its existence and its 

 properties, and that on one side of the infinite progressive 

 plane of formation, it is in a quiescent aerial state, and on the 

 other side collected into worlds, nature obtains a balance, 

 and unless particular gravitation is absolutely infinite, the ul- 

 timate systems must be permanent: and our minds instead 

 of being lost in a chaos of conjecture, form the srime concep- 

 tions of order, through the boundless fields of space, that we 

 derive from observation on the portions which are within 

 our view. These opinions will undoubtedly be adverse lo 

 the belief of many with regard to the meaning ofscripiure; 

 but whether they are opposed to its real meaning, is a ques- 

 tion of quite a different character. The contests and the 

 results respecting the Copernican system, cannot be forgot- 

 ten. If such opinions are clearly and decidedly contrary to 

 the meaning of scripture, it would be madness and disgrace 

 as well as impiety and ruin to harbor them. The floods of 

 sophisticated argument by which scripture has been assail- 

 ed, have successively subsided without doing any thing 

 more than to clear away the little obstructions to the per- 

 ception of its immobility, and to demonstrate to the world, 

 that its destiny is to break, and not to be broken. Though 

 the theory is the solution of the problem for which a'he'/sts, 

 from time immemorial have been seeking, and though it may 

 induce perverse and superficial mind.> to inquire, *' Where 

 is the promise' of his coming f for since the fathers fell 

 asleep, all things remain as they were from the beginning of 

 the creation ;" yet on the other hand it carries desi;>n through 

 the whole of the universe, and stamps intelligence on all its 

 departments. Should it be asked why comets fly through 

 the system to threaten ruin on its regular subordinates; and 

 mountains lift their barren and inclement litads o. ly to 

 frown on surrounding fertility; the answer is ready. Th«ry 

 are the impalpable dust on an exquisite piece of watch work; 



