474 



Power arranging planetary systems; fixing, for instance, the 

 trajectory of Saturn, or constructing a ring of two hundred thou- 

 sand miles diameter to surround his body, and be suspended like 

 a magnificent arch over the heads of his inhabitants; and, at the 

 other, concerting and providing an appropriate mechanism for 

 the clasping and reclasping of the filaments of the feather of the 

 humming-bird. One being has been concerned in all! Under 

 this stupendous being we live: our happiness, our existence, is in his 

 hands: all we expect must come from him! Nor ought we to feel 

 our situation insecure. In every nature, and in every portion of 

 nature, which we can descry, we find attention bestowed upon even 

 the minutest parts. The hinges in the wings of an earwig, and the 

 joints of its antennae, are as highly wrought as if the Creator had 

 nothing else to finish. We see no signs or diminution of care by 

 multiplicity of objects; or of distraction of thought by variety. 

 We have no reason to fear, therefore, our being forgotten, or over- 

 looked, or neglected \" 



Such is the sublime and rational system of the Christian philo- 

 sopher; who, after the minutest investigation he is capable of, 

 in the great scheme of nature, with a regulated, though fervid 

 rapture finds his mind in a higher state of preparation for the truth 

 and consolations of the gospel. There it is that the Christian feels 

 himself exalted above the deist and mere natural philosopher. 

 " An undevout astronomer is mad." It seems impossible to exa- 

 mine the works of nature without adoring the Great Author of 

 nature; it seems almost equally impossible to read the volume of 

 divine revelation in a spirit of humility and reflection, without 

 being not " almost, but altogether a christian." In a comparison 



