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which may hereafter be disclosed.—The planet Mars, in several respects, bears a striking resemblance to our earth. Its rotation round its axis is accomplished in nearly the same time as the earth, namely, in 24 hours and 40 minutes. The inclination of its axis to the plane of its orbit is 28 degrees and 42 minutes, that of the earth being 23 degrees 28 minutes. Consequently, it experiences a diversity of seasons, and different lengths of days and nights, as we do in our sublunary sphere. Hence Sir William Herschel informs us, that he observed a luminous zone about the poles of this planet, which is subject to periodical changes, and is of opinion, that this phenomenon is produced by the reflection of the sun's light upon its polar regions, and that the variation in the magnitude and appearance of this zone is owing to the melting of these masses of polar ice. Its atmosphere is likewise found to be very dense and obscure; which is the cause of that ruddy appearance which this orb uniformly exhibits. These circumstances indicate a striking similarity, in its physical constitution, to that of the earth. Whether the moral state of its inhabitants bears any resemblance to the present condition of mankind, is a question which naturally suggests itself, and which may possibly be solved in the future state to which we are destined. Frost and snow, the accumulation and melting of vast masses of polar ice, long nights, and wintry storms, scenes of darkness and desolation, stormy clouds, and a dense hazy atmosphere surcharged with wintry exhalations, do not appear to be the characteristics of a world where perfect happiness is enjoyed. The Sun which is the centre of our system, and which enlightens surrounding worlds with his beams, is five hundred times larger than all the planets and moons taken together. And, since we perceive frequent changes taking place in his surface and luminous atmosphere, there is doubtless a variety of astonishing processes and transformations go ing on, both in the exterior and interior parts of this immense luminary, on a scale of magnitude and grandeur, which it would be highly gratifying to behold and investigate, and which would raise to the highest pitch, our conceptions of the magnificence and glory of Him "who dwells in light unapproachable."

If, then, the planetary system, which occupies no larger a portion of space than one of the smallest stars that twinkle in our sky, would afford such a vast multiplicity of objects for the contemplation of intelligent beings, during a lapse of ages, what an immense assemblage of august objects and astonishing events is presented before us in the physical arangements, and the moral history of the myriads of systems and worlds to which I have alluded, and what an immense duration would be requisite for finite minds to survey the wondrous scene! This

consideration suggests an idea of duration, which to limited intellects such as ours, seems to approximate to the idea of eternity itself. Even although it could be shown, that creation extended no farther than the utmost bounds which the ingenuity of man has enabled him to penetrate, still, the vast assemblage of glorious objects contained within the range of our assisted vision, shows what an infinite variety of mental gratification the Creator may bestow on his intelligent offspring; and we are assured, that no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly."

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But, would it be reasonable to admit, that the dominions of the universal Sovereign terminate at the boundaries of human vision? Can we believe, that puny man, who occupies so diminutive a speck among the works of God, has penetrated to the utmost limits of the empire of Him who fills the immensity of space with his presence? As soon might we suppose, that a snail could penetrate to the utmost extremity of the ocean, and, with one glance, survey its deepest caverns; or, that a microscopic animalcula, which is confined to a drop of water, in the crevice of a small stone, could explore at one comprehensive view, the regions of Europe, Asia, Africa, and America. Shall we consider the visible system of nature,magnificent and extensive as it is, a palace sufficient for the habitation of the Deity? No: this would be, to circumscribe the Almighty within the limits of our imperfect vision, and within the sphere of our comprehension. "Behold, the heavens, and the heaven of heavens, cannot contain him!" This declaration implies, that, beyond all that the inhabitants of this world can explore in the visible firmament, there is a "heaven of heavens"—a region which contains unnumbered firmaments, as glorious and extensive as that which we behold, throughout the vast extent of which, the Deity is eternally and essentially present. With regard to all that is visible by the unassisted eye, or by the telescope, in the vault of heaven, we may say with the poet :

"Vast concave! ample dome! wast thou design'd
A meet apartment for the Deity?
Not so: that thought alone thy state impairs,
Thy lofty sinks, and shallows thy profound,
And straitens thy diffusive; dwarfs the whole,
And makes an universe an orrery."

Beyond the wide circumference of that sphere which terminates the view of mortals, a boundless region exists, which no human eye can penetrate, and which no finite intelligence can explore. To suppose that the infinitely extended region which surrounds all that is visible in creation, is a mere void, would be as unreasonable, as to have affirmed, prior to the invention of the telescope, that no stars existed beyond those which are visible to the naked eye. When we consider the limited faculties of man, and the infinite attributes of the Eternal Mind, we have the highest reason to

conclude, that it is but a very small portion of the works of God which has been disclosed to our view. "Could you soar beyond the moon, (says a well-known writer) and pass through all the planetary choir; could you wing your way to the highest apparent star, and take your stand on one of those loftiest pinnacles of heaven, you would there see other skies expanded, another sun distributing his beams by day, other stars that gild the alternate night, and other, perhaps nobler systems established in unknown profusion through the boundless dimensions of space. Nor would the dominion of the universal Sovereign terminate there. Even at the end of this vast tour, you would find yourself advanced no farther than the suburbs of creation,-arrived only at the frontiers of the great Jehovah's kingdom."

It is highly probable, that, were all the two thousand four hundred millions of worlds to which we have adverted, with all the eighty millions of suns around which they revolve, to be suddenly extinguished and annihilated, it would not cause so great a blank in creation, to an eye that could take in the whole immensity of nature, as the extinction of the pleiades, or seven stars, would cause in our visible firmament. The range of material existence may, indeed, have certain limits assigned to it; but such limits can be perceived only by that Eye which beholds, at one glance, the whole of infinite space. To the view of every finite mind, it must always appear boundless and incomprehensible. Were it possible that we could ever arrive at the outskirts of creation, after having surveyed all that exists in the material universe, we might be said, in some measure, to comprehend the Creator himself; having perceived the utmost limits to which his power and intelligence have been extended. For, although we admit, that the perfections of the Creator are infinite; yet we have no tangible measure of these perfections, but what appears in the immense variety and extent of material and intellectual existence. And we may hence conclude, that the highest order of created intellects, after spending myriads of ages in their research, will never come to a period in their investigations of the works and the ways of God.

Even although we could conceive certain limits to the material universe, and that, after the lapse of millions of ages, a holy intelligence had finished his excursions, and made the tour of the universal system which now exists,-yet, who can set bounds to the active energies of the Eternal Mind, or say, that new systems of creation, different from all that have hitherto been constructed, shall not be perpetually emerging into existence? By the time a finite being had explored every object which now exists, and acquired a knowledge of all the moral and physical revolutions which have happened among the worlds which, at present, diversify the voids of space-a new region of infinite space might be

replenished with new orders of material and intellectual existence: and, were he to return to the point from which he at first set out, after numerous ages had elapsed, he would, doubtless, behold new changes and revolutions in many provinces of the Creator's dominionsnew heavens and new earths-and new species of sentient and intellectual beings, different from all those he at first contemplated.

That such is the plan of the Creator's operations, is not a mere conjecture or surmise, but is warranted from observations which have been made on the phenomena of the celestial bodies. New stars have, at different periods, appeared in the heavens; which are plain indications of the continued exertion of creating power. Some planets have burst asunder into different fragments, and stars which had shone for ages have disappeared, and their existence, in their former state, cannot now be traced.* Such facts evidently show, that some important revolutions have taken place in relation to the bodies which have thus been withdrawn from our view. Having for ages run their destined course, either their constitution has undergone an essential change, or they have been removed to another region of immensity, to subserve other purposes in the magnificent arrangements of the Sovereign Intelligence. The observations made by Sir William Herschel on the nebulous appearances in the heavens, and on the changes and modifications which they undergo, lead to the conclusion, that new systems are gradually forming in the distant regions of the universe. And, if the creating energy of the Omnipotent is at present in constant operation, and has been so for ages past, who shall dare to affirm, that it shall ever cease its exertion through all the ages of eternity?

Here, then, we have presented to our contemplation, an assemblage of material and intellectual existence, to which the human mind can affix no boundaries,-which is continually increasing, and still an infinity of space remaining for perpetual accessions, during the lapse of endless ages, an assemblage of beings, which, in point of number, of magnitude, and of extent, seems to correspond with a boundless duration. So that, we have no reason to doubt, that "the saints in light" will be perpetually acquiring new discoveries of the divine glory, new prospects into the immensity of God's operations, new views of the rectitude and grandeur of his moral government, new accessions to their felicity, and new and transporting trains of thought, without the least interruption, as long as eternity endures.

Stars which are marked in ancient catalogues. are not now to be found, and others are now visible

which were not known to the ancients. Some have gradually increased in brilliancy. Some that were formerly variable, now shine with a steady lustre, while others have been constantly diminishing in brightness.

THRONE OF GOD.

There is just one idea more that may he suggested, in addition to the several views exhibited above, in order to raise to a higher pitch of sublimity, our views of the grandeur of the Divine Being, and of the magnificence of his works. The Scriptures frequently refer to a particular place, circumstance, or manifestation, termed the throne of God; as in the following passages:"Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my foot stool." "The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens." "A glorious high throne, from the beginning, is the place of thy sanctuary." "Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple." "Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sits upon the throne."-These, and similar expressions and representations, must De considered, either as merely metaphorical, or as referring to some particular region of the universe, where the Divine glory is reflected, in some peculiarly magnificent manner, from material objects; and where the manifestations of the Divine character are most illustriously displayed. If there be a reference to the splendour and magnitude of a particular portion of creation, there is an astronomical idea, which may help us to form some conception of this "glorious high hrone," which is the peculiar residence of the Eternal. It is now considered by astronomers, as highly probable, if not certain, from late observations, from the nature of gravitation, and other circumstances, that all the systems of the universe revolve round one common centre,and that this centre may bear as great a proportion, in point of magnitude, to the universal assemblage of systems as the sun does to his surrounding planets. And, since our sun is five hundred times larger than the earth, and all the other planets and their satellites taken together, -on the same scale, such a central body would be five hundred times larger than all the systems and worlds in the universe. Here, then, may be a vast universe of itself-an example of material creation, exceeding all the rest in magnitude and splendour, and in which are blended the glories of every other system. If this is in reality the case, it may, with the most emphatic propriety, be termed, THE THRONE OF GOD.

This is the most sublime and magnificent idea that can possibly enter into the mind of man We feel oppressed and overwhelmed in endedvouring to form even a faint representation of it. But, however much it may overpower our feeble conceptions, we ought not to revolt at the idea of so glorious an extension of the works of God; since nothing less magnificent seems suitable to a being of infinite perfections.-This grand central body may be considered as the Capital of the universe. From this glorious centre, embassies may be occasionally despatched to all surrounding

worlds, in every region of space. Here, too, deputations from all the different provinces of creation, may occasionally assemble, and the inhabitants of different worlds mingle with each other, and learn the grand outlines of those physical operations and moral transactions, which have taken place in their respective spheres. Here, may be exhibited to the view of unnumbered multitudes, objects of sublimity and glory, which are no where else to be found within the wide extent of creation. Here, intelligences of the highest order, who have attained the most sublime heights of knowledge and virtue, may form the principal part of the population of this magnificent region. Here, the glorified body of the Redeemer may have taken its principal station, as "the head of all principalities and powers:" and here likewise, Enoch and Elijah may reside, in the mean time, in order to learn the history of the magnificent plans and operations of Deity, that they may be enabled to communicate intelligence respecting them to their brethren of the race of Adam, when they shall again mingle with them in the world allotted for their abode, after the general resurrection. Here, the GRANDEUR of the Deity, the glory of his physi cal and moral perfections, and the immensity of his empire, may strike the mind with more bright effulgence, and excite more elavated emotions of admiration and rapture, than in any other province of universal nature. In fine, this vast and splendid central universe may constitute that august mansion referred to in Scripture, under the the designation of the THIRD HEAVENS—THE THRONE OF THE ETERNAL-the HEAVEN OF HEAVENS THE HIGH AND HOLY PLACEand THE LIGHT THAT IS INACCESSIBLE AND FULL OF GLORY.*

• Within the limits of the last 150 years, it has been found, that the principal fixed stars have a certain apparent motion, which is nearly uniform and regular, and is quite perceptible in the course of thirty or forty years. The star Arcturus, for example, has been observed to move three minutes and three seconds in the course of seventy-eight years. Most of the stars have moved toward the south. The stars in the northern quarter of the heavens seem to widen their relative positions, while those in the southern appear to contract their distances. These motions seem evidently to indicate, that the earth, and all the other bodies of the solar system, are moving in a direction from the stars, in the southern part of the sky, toward those in the northern. Dr. Herschel thinks, that a comparison of the changes now alluded to, indicates a motion of our sun with his attending planets towards the constellation Hercules. This progressive movement which our system makes in absolute space is justly supposed to be a portion of that curve, which the sun describes around the centre of that nebula to which he belongs; and, that all the other stars belonging to the same nebula, describe similar curves. And since the universe appears to be composed of thousands of nebule, or starry systems, detached from each other, it is reasonable to conclude, that all the starry systems of the universe revolve round one common

centre, whose bulk and attractive influence are proportionable to the size and the number of the bodies

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which perform their revolutions around it. know, that the law of gravitation extends its influ

Perhaps some whose minds are not accustomed to such bold excursions through the regions of material existence, may be apt to consider the grand idea which has now been suggested, and many of the preceding details as too improbable and extravagant to claim our serious attention. In reply to such an insinuation, let it be considered, in the first place, that nothing has been stated but what corresponds to the whole analogy of nature, and to several sublime intimations contained in the system of divine Revelation. It is a fact, which, in the present day, cannot be denied by any one acquainted with the subject, that the material universe, as far as our eye and our glasses can carry us, consists of a count less multitude of vast bodies, which completely baffle our feeble powers in attempting to form any adequate conception of them. This amazing fact, placed within the evidence of our senses, shows us, that it is impossible for the human mind to form too extravagant ideas of the universe, or to conceive its structure to be more glorious and magnificent than it really is.†

Again, nothing short of such sublime and magnificent conceptions seems at all suitable to the idea of a Being of infinite perfection and of eternal duration. If we admit, that the divine Be

ence from the sun to the planet Herschel, at the distance of eighteen hundred millions of miles, and to the remotest parts of the orbits of the comets, which stretch far beyond this limit; and there is the strongest reason to believe, that it forms a connecting bond between all the bodies of the universe, however distant from each other. This being admitted, the motion of the different systems now alluded to, and the immensity of the central body, from which motion of every kind originates, to produce the order and harmony of the universe,-appear to be necessary, in order to preserve the balance of the universal system, and to prevent the numerous globes in the universe from gradually approaching each other, in the course of ages, and becoming one universal wreck.-We are mechanically connected with the most distant stars visible through our telescopes, by means of light, which radiates from those distant luminaries, mingles with the solar rays, penetrates our atmosphere, and effects our op tic nerves with the sensation of colours, similar to those produced by the rays of the sun. And we have equal reason to conclude, that we are likewise mechanically connected with these bodies by the law of gravitation. So that the idea thrown out above, however grand and overwhelming to our feeble powers, is not a mere conjecture, but is founded on observation, and on the general analogies of the universe.

In descending to the minute parts of nature, we

obtain ocular demonstration of facts which overpower

our faculties, and which would be altogether incredi

ble, were they not placed within the evidence of the senses. In a drop of water, in which certain vegetable substances have been infused, millions of liv. ing creatures have been seen, and, in some instances where the animalculæ are transparent, their eyes, and the peristaltic motion of their bowels have been perceived. The minuteness of the blood-vessel, and other parts of the structure of such creatures, is as wonderful, and as incomprehensible, on the one hand, as the magnitude and immensity of the universe are on the other,-demonstrating, that, in the works of the Creator, there is an infinity on either hand, which limited intellects will never be able fully to comprehend.

ing is infinite, pervading the immensity of space
with his presence, why should we be reluctant
to admit the idea, that his almighty energy is
exerted throughout the boundless regions of space?
for it is just such a conclusion as the notion of an
infinite intelligence should naturally lead us to
deduce. Whether does it appear to correspond
more with the notion of an infinite Being, to
believe, that his creative power has been con-
fined to this small globe of earth, and a few spark-
ling studs fixed in the canopy of the sky, or to
admit, on the ground of observation and analogy,
that he has launched into existence millions of
worlds-that all the millions of systems within
the reach of our vision, are but as a particle of
vapour to the ocean, when compared with the
myriads which exist in the unexplored regions
of immensity-that the whole of this vast assem
blage of suns and worlds revolves around the
grand centre of the universe-and that this centre
where the throne of God is placed, is superior to
all the other provinces of creation in magnitude,
beauty, and magnificence? Who would dare to
prove that such conceptions are erroneous, or
impossible, or unworthy of that Being who sits
on the throne of the universe?
To attempt
such a proof would be nothing less than to set
bounds to Omnipotence-to prescribe limits to
the operations of him "whose ways are past find
ing out.'

"Can man conceive beyond what God can do?
Nothing but quite impossible is hard.

He summons into being with like ease
A whole creation, and a single grain.
Speaks he the word? a thousand worlds are born!
A thousand worlds? There's space for millions
more;

And in what space can his great Fiat fail?
Condemn me not, cold critic! but indulge
The warm imagination; why condemn?
Why not indulge such thoughts as swell our hearts
With fuller admiration of that Power
Which gives our hearts with such high thoughts to
swell?

Why not indulge in his augmented praise?
Darts not his glory a still brighter ray,
The less is left to chaos, and the realms
Of hideous night?"

These views and reasonings are fully corroborated by the sublime descriptions of Deity contained in the Holy Scriptures.-" Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty to perfection?" "He is the high and lofty One who inhabiteth eternity "-"He is glorious in power"-"He dwells in light unapproachable and full of glory "-"Great is our Lord and of great power, his greatness is unsearchable; his understanding is infinite"-"Can any thing be too hard for Jehovah? "The everlasting God the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary, there is no searching of his understanding"-" He do eth great things, past finding out, and wonders without number." "He meteth out the heavens with a span, and comprehendeth the dust of the

earth in a measure."

"By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, and all the host of them by the Spirit of his mouth." "He spake, and t was done;-He commanded, and it stood fast." "He stretched forth the heavens alone, and bringeth forth their hosts by number." "Lo these are parts of his ways, but how little a portion is heard of him; and the thunder of his power who can understand? Behold the heaven, and the heaven of heavens cannot contain him!" "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth forth his handy-work." "Thine, O Lord! is the greatness, and the glory, and the majesty, for all in heaven and earth is thine, and thou art exalted above all." "Behold the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the Lord's." "Jehovah hath prepared his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom ruleth over all." "I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works." "Blessed be thy glorious name who art exalted above all blessing and praise." "Thou, even thou, art Lord alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, thou preservest them all, and the host of heaven worshippeth thee." "Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord? who can show forth all his praise?" "Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out." "He is excellent in power, and his glory is above the earth and heavens."

Such sublime descriptions of the Divine Being, which are interspersed throughout various parts of Revelation, lead us to form the most august conceptions of his creative energy, and plainly indicate, that it is impossible for the highest created intellect to form a more magnificent idea of his designs and operations than what in reality exists.

In short, though some of the preceding views may not precisely correspond to the facts which shall ultimately be found to exist in the universe, -they ought, nevertheless, to be entertained and rendered familiar to the mind, since they open a sublime and interesting train of thinking; and since they cannot go beyond the magnificence of Jehovah's kingdom, nor be very different from what actually exists in the universe. They form a kind of sensible substratum of thought for the mind to fix upon, when it attempts to frame the loftiest conceptions of the object of our adoration. It may be laid down as a principle which ought never to be overlooked in Theology,-that, our conceptions of the grandeur of God are precisely, or, at least, nearly commensurate with our conceptions of the grandeur and extent of his operations throughout the universe. We all admit, that the Deity is infinite, both in respect of space and of duration. But, an infinity of empty space, and an infinity of duration, abstractly considered, convey no precise or tangible ideas to the mind, to guide it in forming distinct conceptions of the Deity or of any other beings. It is only

when the immensity of space is considered as diversified with an immense variety and multiplicity of objects, and when eternal duration is contemplated as connected with a constant succession of glorious scenes and transactions, that the soul of man can expand its views and elevate its conceptions of the incomprehensible Jehovah.

If these sentiments be admitted, it will follow, that the man whose ideas are confined within limits of a few hundred miles, or even within the range of the globe we inhabit, must have his views of Deity confined within nearly the same sphere. For we have no sensible mea sures of the attributes of God, but those which are derived from the number and extent of his actual operations. When we attempt to think of Him, without the assistance of his visible works, our thoughts instantly run into confusion, and sink into inanity. And, since we find, that the material works of God are so "great above all measure," so widely extended, and so magnificent in the scale of their operation, it is of the utmost importance, in a religious point of view, that the mind accustom itself to range at large through the wide extent of creation-to trace, by analogy, from what is known, the probable magnitude, arrangement, and grandeur of what is removed beyond the limits of our vision-to add magnitude to magnitude, system to system, and motion to motion, till our thoughts are overwhelmed with the mighty idea. though we may occasionally frame some erroneous or inadequate notions, when forming our conceptions of certain subordinate particulars, yet, we need not fear, that in point of number, magnitude, and variety, our conceptions can ever go beyond the realities which exist within the range of universal nature, unless we suppose, that "man can conceive beyond what God can do." Such trains of thought will tend to expand and elevate the mind, and give it a sublime turn of thinking; and will naturally produce an ardent desire of beholding a brighter display of the magnificence of the Creator in the eternal world.

And,

From what has been now detailed respecting the numerous and august objects that may be presented to the contemplation of celestial intelligences, we may conclude, that the chief subjects of study in the heavenly world will be History and Philosophy. Under the department of history, may be comprehended all the details which will be exhibited to them respecting the origin, progress, and consummation of the redemption of man, and the information they may receive respecting the natural and moral scenery, and the prominent providential occurrences and arrangements of other worlds.

As it is evident, that matter exists chiefly for the sake of sensitive and intelligent beings, so,

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