The whole of the Chapter devoted to “the Theory of the Solar System,” is
distinguished by remarkable ingenuity and originality. It is, however,
that entitled _the Argument from Design_, which, independently of all
connection with the speculations of the author as already laid before
our readers, is worthiest of consideration, by all interested in Natural
Theology. It touches many topics which must have occupied the
profoundest thoughts of mankind, and touches them with the utmost
caution and delicacy. In the 34th Section will be found a passage of
singular boldness and imaginative eloquence; but liable, in our opinion,
to serious misconception, and susceptible of misrepresentation—by those,
at least, who are either unable, or indisposed, to weigh the entire
chapter, and ascertain its real value and tendency. Some expressions
have startled us not a little, when reflecting that they relate to the
possible mode of action of Omniscient Omnipotence; and we shall be
gratified by seeing them vindicated or explained in the next edition of
his “Essay.”
Each of our speculators closes his book with a chapter devoted to “The
Future.” The ideas of Sir David concerning the duration of the human
race upon the earth (which Inspiration tells us is so awfully uncertain,
and will be cut short suddenly—in a moment—in _the twinkling of an
eye_), seem to be curiously definite; for we have seen that in his sixth
chapter he states that “from the birth of man to the extinction of his
race, the Solar System to which he belongs will have described but an
infinitesimal arc in that grand cosmical orbit in which it is destined
to move.” Without pausing to ask who told him this, let us intimate,
that in his final chapter he says that the scientific truths on which
depends the plurality of worlds are intimately associated with the
future destiny of man: he turns to the future of the sidereal systems,
as the hallowed spots in which is to be spent his immortal existence.
Scripture has not spoken articulately of the future locality of the
blest; but Reason has combined the scattered utterances of Inspiration,
and with an almost oracular voice declared that the Maker of the worlds
will place _in these_ the beings of his choice. In what region, reason
does not determine; but it is _impossible_ for man, with the light of
Revelation as his guide, to doubt for a moment that on the celestial
spheres his future is to be spent in lofty inquiries; social
intercourse; the renewal of domestic ties; and in the service of his
Almighty benefactor. The Christian’s future, not defined in his creed,
enwrapt in apocalyptic mysteries, evades his grasp: it is only Astronomy
that opens the mysterious expanse of the Universe to his eye, and
creates an intelligible paradise in the world to come: wherefore, says
Sir David, we must impregnate the popular mind with the truths of
natural science; teaching them in every school, and recommending, if not
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