The astonishing length that this Comet runs out into empty Space, suggests to our minds an idea of the vast distance between the Sun and the nearest fixed Stars; of whose Attractions all the Comets must keep clear, to return periodically, and go round the Sun; and it shews us also, that the nearest Stars, which are probably those that seem the largest, are as big as our Sun, and of the same nature with him; otherwise, they could not appear so large and bright to us as they do at such an immense distance. [Sidenote: Inferences drawn from the above phenomena.] 94. The extreme heat, the dense atmosphere, the gross vapours, the chaotic state of the Comets, seem at first sight to indicate them altogether unfit for the purposes of animal life, and a most miserable habitation for rational beings: and therefore [17]some are of opinion that they are so many hells for tormenting the damned with perpetual vicissitudes of heat and cold. But, when we consider, on the other hand, the infinite power and goodness of the Deity; the latter inclining, and the former enabling him to make creatures suited to all states and circumstances; that matter exists only for the sake of intelligence; and that wherever we find it, we always find it pregnant with life, or necessarily subservient thereto; the numberless species, the astonishing diversity of animals in earth, air, water, and even on other animals; every blade of grass, every tender leaf, every natural fluid, swarming with life; and every one of these enjoying such gratifications as the nature and state of each requires: when we reflect moreover that some centuries ago, till experience undeceived us, a great part of the Earth was judged uninhabitable; the Torrid Zone by reason of excessive heat, and the two Frigid Zones because of their intollerable cold; it seems highly probable, that such numerous and large masses of durable matter as the Comets are, however unlike they be to our Earth, are not destitute of beings capable of contemplating with wonder, and acknowledging with gratitude the wisdom, symmetry, and beauty of the Creation; which is more plainly to be observed in their extensive Tour through the Heavens, than in our more confined Circuit. If farther conjecture is permitted, may we not suppose them instrumental in recruiting the expended fuel of the Sun; and supplying the exhausted moisture of the Planets? However difficult it may be, circumstanced as we are, to find out their particular destination, this is an undoubted truth, that wherever the Deity exerts his power, there he also manifests his wisdom and goodness. [Sidenote: This System very ancient, and demonstrable.]