To conclude, it evidently seems to be the End and Design of Providence, by this visible Variety of Beings, to lift the Minds of Men above this narrow Earth, in Search of that powerful Being upon which we are all so much dependant; and the _Creator_, no doubt, in this vast Display of his Wisdom and Power, designed the amazing Whole, as the adequate Object of every Part, and as such equally open on all Sides, to the penetrating Progress of human Minds, and through the most extensive Faculty of Sense, the _Sight_, to draw our Reason and Understanding by Degrees, from finite Objects into Infinity; and as the last Result of celestial Contemplations place within our Reach, a certain Evidence of a future State, _and the manifest Mansions of Rewards and Punishments, suited no doubt most equitably to all Degrees of Virtue, and to every Vice_. "When I consider (says Mr. _Addison_, speaking as having taken particular notice of a fine Evening) that infinite Host of Stars, or to speak more philosophically of Suns, which were then shining upon me, with those innumerable Sets of Planets or Worlds, which were then moving round their respective Suns; when I still enlarge the Idea, and supposed another Heaven of Suns and Worlds rising still above this which we discovered; and these still enlightened by a superior Firmament of Luminaries, which are planted at so great a Distance, that they may appear to the Inhabitants of the former as the Stars do to us; in short, whilst I pursued this Thought, I could not but reflect on that little insignificant Figure which I myself bore amongst the Immensity of God's Works:" This Reflection, I judge, as you are an Admirer of the Author, you will not look upon as impertinent in this Place, especially as it must enforce what I have endeavoured to shew you, namely, the Reasonableness of a Plurality of sidereal Systems, and their Multiplicity of Worlds; which, if you are yet in Doubt of, I hope you will at least forgive so well designed an Attempt with your usual Candour. I am now prepared to proceed in the chief Design of this Undertaking, which is to solve the Phænomena of the _Via Lactea_; and propose in my next to answer more fully your farther Request. _I am_, &c. [Illustration] LETTER the FIFTH. _Of the Order, Distance, and Multiplicity of the Stars, the_ Via Lactea, _and Extent of the visible Creation_. _SIR_,