$ 14. FORMATION OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM. 47 



is only one-third that of our planet; and Saturn, which, 

 with the exception of Uranus and Neptune, is the remotest, 

 is but little more than one-eighth as dense, and is supposed 

 to be as light as cork.* 



You will at once perceive that this theory can in no 

 wise affect the sublime truth that the Universe is the work 

 of an all-wise and omnipotent Creator ; " For let it be as- 

 sumed that the point to which this hypothesis leads us, is 

 the ultimate boundary of physical science — that the nearest 

 glimpse we can attain of the material universe, displays it 

 to us as occupied by a boundless abyss of attenuated matter ; 

 still we are left to inquire how space became thus occupied 

 — whence originated matter thus luminous ? And if we 

 are able to establish by physical proofs, that the first fact 

 which the human mind can trace in the history of the 

 heavens is, that ' there was light? we are irresistibly led to 

 the conclusion, that ere this could take place, ' God said, 

 Let there be light.'' " f 



This theory of the condensation of nebular matter into 

 suns and worlds, marvellous as it may appear, will be found 

 on due reflection to suggest the only rational explanation 

 of the phenomena observable in the sidereal heavens, and 

 in our own globe, according to the present state of the physi- 

 cal sciences ; while its beautiful simplicity is in correspon- 

 dence with the unity of design so manifest throughout the 

 works of the Eternal. $ 



* Introduction to Astronomy, by Sir J. F. "W. Herschel. Those 

 who feel desirous of more ample information on this subject, should 

 consult " Views of the Architecture of the Heavens," by Dr. Xichol, 

 Professor of Practical Astronomy in the University of Glasgow. 



f Professor Whewell. 



X Dr. Pye Smith, in his able commentaries on the " Relation between 

 Scripture and Geological Science," has the following remarks upon this 

 subject. " The nebular hypothesis, ridiculed as it has been by persons 

 whose ignorance cannot excuse their presumption, is regarded by some 

 of the finest and most Christian minds as in the highest degree pro- 



