An original theory or new hypothesis of the universe: $b founded upon the laws of nature, and solving by mathematical principles the general phænomena of the visible creation; and particularly the via lactea ...Wright, Thomas
Philosophy
An original theory or new hypothesis of the universe: $b founded upon the laws of nature, and solving by mathematical principles the general phænomena of the visible creation; and particularly the via lactea ...
Wright, Thomas
Astronomy -- Early works to 1800
These, were any thing wanting, besides the _Miracle ourselves_, to
convince us of a divine Origination, are all infallible Proofs, that
the Universe is governed by an intelligent and all-powerful Being,
whose Existence is too nearly related to a self-evident Truth to be
more clearly demonstrated, than it is manifest of itself, both from the
particular Laws of Nature, and the general Order of Things. An Argument
which has been thought of no small Force, and well worth observing in
the Infancy of _Christianity_. _The invisible Things of God are clearly
seen, being understood by the Things that are made, even his eternal
Power and Godhead._ Rom. i. 20.
But 'tis now high time to look back upon my Theory, and tell you it is
a vain Supposition, to imagine I shall ever be able to convince every
Reader, either of the Truth or Probability of what I have advanced to
you: Mathematical Assistance not being to be expected, where perhaps it
has never been thought of; and I allow you, it is much more reasonable
to expect, that fifty Persons will read these Letters without
perceiving the Reasonableness of them, than that five should consider
them with proper Judgment.
I must ingenuously confess to you, that nothing is wanting to
convince me intirely of the Certainty of what I here advance by way
of Conjecture to you. But this you must only look upon as an happy
Partiality, which generally attends all Authors, and always will be
the chief Support of their tedious Labours. I assure you, I have
neither Hopes nor Expectation, no, not the weak Breath of a Wish, to be
admitted a proper Judge of my own Works. But I shall always take their
Imperfection to be rather, (like my own Faults) to be too near me to
be seen; I therefore trust all to my Friend, and if I am so fortunate
as to excite his Approbation, I shall think myself very happy in a
very favourite Point; which is, The advancing nothing which a rational
Reader would willingly overlook, or be ignorant of.
But if I have been so happy as to come so near the Mark, as to border
upon Truth, I believe you will allow me to carry my Conjectures a
little further, and point out some farther pleasing Consequences, which
I begin to perceive may naturally follow.
Should it be granted, that the Creation may be circular or orbicular, I
would next suppose, in the general Center of the whole an intelligent
Principle, from whence proceeds that mystick and paternal Power,
productive of all Life, Light, and the Infinity of Things.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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