234 
€ffiKMAL VIEW OF NATUKfi. 
be matter because we observe them to be subject to the laws 
which govern matter ; and we have been able by the discov- 
eries of astronomers to understand their various revolutions : 
we have, in general, clearer ideas of their motions than even of 
our own planet ; it is more easy for us to imagine them as 
moving, than that our firm earth is whirling with inconceiva- 
ble velocity. Were it possible for us to conceive the quantity 
of matter which even one world as large as our sun contains, 
the thought would be overwhelming ; — and of all the worlds 
which we behold at one view in a serene night, what finite be- 
ing can imagine their united extent \ They are suspended 
over our heads each one pursuing its destined course ; why do 
we not fear that some one may be precipitated upon our little 
world and crush it to atoms ? It is because we know that they 
are all upheld by that Power which " created the heavens and 
the earth," and who governs the universe by regular laws. 
This universe is as infinite as the God who formed it; our sun, 
with all its systems^ is hut a point lost in immensity. Astrono- 
mers have proved that the fixed stars are at such an immense 
distance from us, that moving at the rate of 500 miles an hour 
we should not reach the nearest of them in 700,000 years, a 
distance more than 200,000 times greater than that of the sun 
from the earth. Space no less distant, probably, separates all 
the fixed stars. Around those stars revolve millions of opaque 
globes^ as our earth revolves around the sun which is also one 
of the fixed stars. The satellites describe around the primary 
planets almost circular orbits ; they are carried with their j)ri- 
maries around the sun in their annual motion. The sun him- 
self with all his numerous train of primary planets, each vnth 
its satellites, revolves around the common center of gravity oj 
the fixed sta7's, of which, himself, constitutes a part ; and these 
are supposed to revolve around the center of the universe. Here 
may he the throne of the Almighty Creator and Director of all 
these stupendous ohjects. 
369. Yet we need not fear that we shall be forgotten in the 
immensity of creation ; the same Being who created and rules 
the host of heaven, made the little moss and the lilies of the 
field which are so beautifully arrayed. K God condescends to 
care for them, he will not neglect us who are made in his own 
image, and destined to an immortal existence. 
Turning our thoughts from the heavenly host to our own 
little globe, and considering the matter which exists upon it, 
we find two great classes of substances ; 1st, inm'ganized, and 
2d, organized. 
370. The 1st class of substances, viz., such as are inorgani^ed. 
369. Substances divided into two classes.— 370. First class of subsUncea. 
